Giving Birth in Finland — A Mother’s Experience and Hospital Bag Guide

  Important Documents  

Before leaving for the hospital, make sure you have:

• your identification document;
• your Kela card (if you have one);
• your maternity card (Äitiyskortti) or access to the information from your prenatal care service (Neuvola);
• a birth plan, if you have discussed one with your midwife.

  What to Pack for the Mother  

Although the hospital provides basic clothing and products, many mothers prefer to bring a few personal items that make them feel more comfortable:

• comfortable clothes for going home;
• comfortable underwear;
• a nursing bra;
• loose and comfortable clothes for after birth;
• slippers and shower sandals;
• personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant);
• moisturizer and lip balm;
• hair ties;
• phone and charger (preferably with a long cable);
• a reusable water bottle;
• your favorite snacks.

  What Does the Baby Need?  

In most Finnish hospitals, the baby receives clothes, diapers, blankets, and all the necessary basic products during the hospital stay.

For going home, you will need:

• a cotton bodysuit;
• trousers or a baby outfit;
• socks;
• a hat;
• a seasonal baby overall (a warm one for winter or a lighter one for summer);
• a blanket if needed;
• a car seat (baby carrier) if you are travelling home by car.

  For Your Partner  

If your partner is joining you for the birth, it is useful for them to bring:

• comfortable clothes;
• phone and charger;
• snacks, food, and water;
• personal hygiene products;
• spare clothes if they plan to stay overnight (depending on the hospital’s rules).

  What You Usually Don’t Need to Bring  

In Finland, you usually do not need to pack:

• diapers;
• wet wipes;
• baby clothes for the hospital stay;
• blankets for the hospital.

• These are provided by the maternity hospital, but it is always a good idea to check the specific instructions from the hospital where you will give birth.(In my personal experience, I also brought my own postpartum pads because I preferred to use my own products.)

  A Little Secret I Recommend for Every Mother  

Bring a dark chocolate bar in your hospital bag.

It may seem like a small detail, but it can provide a much-needed energy boost after birth. During labour, many mothers are unable to eat properly for many hours, sometimes even 24 hours or more. After delivery, your body needs energy and care.

  A Little Self-Care Before Birth  

One personal ritual that I followed before each of my four births was going to the salon two or three weeks before the due date.

I would get my hair cut, have my eyebrows done, go for waxing, and get a manicure.

It may sound like a small luxury, but for me it was a beautiful way to take care of myself before one of the biggest moments of my life. After the baby arrives, finding time for yourself becomes much more difficult.

  The Baby Box — A Wonderful Support  

If you live in Finland and meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive the famous Baby Box (Äitiyspakkaus) provided by Kela.

You can usually apply around the 22nd week of pregnancy, and the Baby Box normally arrives around weeks 24–25 if everything is processed on time.

During the first five days after each of my births, I mainly used the clothes from the Baby Box, and they were more than enough.

  A Message From My Heart 

I wish every future mother and family the most beautiful experience of their lives.

Every birth is different. Every mother experiences this journey in her own way. There is no perfect birth story, but every story is unique and deserves to be lived with confidence, love, and patience.

  An Important Note for Future Parents  

If you would like newborn photography, I recommend booking your session during pregnancy.

The ideal time for a newborn photo session is usually within the first 5–10 days after birth. During this period, babies sleep deeply, naturally curl into the positions they had in the womb, and adapt more easily to gentle posing.

These first days are incredibly precious, and newborn photography allows you to preserve the tiny details, emotions, and beginning of your family’s story forever.

I would be honoured to help you transform these first moments into memories you will treasure for a lifetime.