Before you leave the house for the hospital (contractions 5-6 minutes apart):
- Make sure you have your prenatal papers
- Leave all precious jewellery at home
- Remove all piercings except small earrings
- If you arranged for cord blood donation, bring the kit to the hospital
Grab your bag which may contain:
- Hair tie for long hair
- Lip gloss/balm
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for you and your partner
- Warm socks
- Shorts or swimsuit for partner for shower labour
- Phone numbers for contacting family and friends
- Camera (only if mother-to-be agrees)
- Relaxation music or focus item for contractions (if applicable)
- Massage oil/lotion (if applicable)
- Snacks for partner/support person
Things available at the hospital:
- Gown, robe, mesh underwear
- Washcloths, towels
- Birth ball (on request)
- Pillows (on request)
For postpartum stay:
- Slippers, socks
- Sanitary pads if you have a preference – hospital does provide pads
- Underwear (if you prefer your own over the mesh underwear)
- Nursing bra and nursing pads
- Toiletries
- Clothes to go home in
- Pens for filling out paper work
For Baby:
- Diapers
- Receiving blanket
- Warm blanket
- Onesie undershirts
- Socks
- Sleepers
- Cap and sweater for ride home
- Approved car seat and manual to properly adjust the harness to the baby according to the guidelines