An outpatient hospital birth means that you give birth in hospital under our care and, if all goes well, go home again a few hours after the birth. Once labour has started, we will usually come to your home first to talk over when it is best to go in. You do not need to register or book in at the hospital beforehand.
What should you take to hospital?
We recommend taking at least the following:
- your pregnancy card
- valid photo identification (passport or ID card)
- proof of acknowledgement, if you have it
- your birth plan, if you have one
- pyjamas or a nightdress and a dressing gown
- slippers or flip-flops
- enough underwear and clean clothes to go home in
- toiletries
- 2 complete sets of baby clothes (including a hat)
- a jacket for the baby
- car seat with a blanket for the journey home (practise fitting it at home first)
- phone with charger, and the phone numbers you need
What does it cost?
For an outpatient birth without a medical reason you pay a personal contribution of a few hundred euros, unless your supplementary insurance covers it; check the terms of your policy. If the outpatient birth turns into a medically led birth, your health insurer covers everything.
Which hospital?
As a rule you will be referred to ZGT in Almelo. If you would rather give birth at the Saxenburgh in Hardenberg or at another hospital, please let us know in good time.