What to bring to the Hospital
The moment of truth has arrived. Do you know where your labour bag is?
It’s a good idea to have a labour bag packed and ready to go a few weeks before your due date. You don’t know when labour might begin, and things are a lot easier if you’re prepared.
WHAT TO BRING FOR MOM:
• Your provincial or territorial health insurance card.
• Private health insurance documentation, if applicable (such as for a private room).
• Copy of your birth plan.
• Cord blood collection kit if you plan to store your baby’s cord blood.
• Picture or object you find comforting (helps with focusing and positive visualization during labour).
• Watch.
• Massage oil or lotion.
• Hot water bottle.
• Cold packs.
• Moisturizing lip balm.
• Camera and/or video camera, charged batteries and film or memory cards.
• Extra pillows.
• Radio or MP3 player.
• Small amount of money.
• Paper and pens.
• Hairbrush.
• Shampoo.
• Soap.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Deodorant.
• Very absorbent sanitary pads.
• Tissues.
• Earplugs.
• Comfortable track suit.
• Two nightgowns (opening from the front).
• Housecoat.
• Two or more nursing bras.
• Several pairs of inexpensive, comfortable underwear.
• Warm socks (two or more pairs).
• Slippers.
• Loose clothing to wear home.
• A laundry bag for soiled clothing.
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR PARTNER:
• Quarters or prepaid phone card (for spreading the good news after the birth).
• Phone numbers of family/friends.
• Snacks and drinks.
• Bathing suit (for joining you in the shower or tub to help you through contractions).
• Change of clothes.
• Books, magazines, a deck of cards, etc.
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR NEWBORN BABY:
• Package of diapers.
• Undershirt.
• Sleeper and hat.
• Receiving blanket.
• In winter, a heavy blanket or bunting bag.
• Appropriate car seat. (This is the law. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital
without one.
