103. Labour And Birth

Your birth centre stay may only be for 1 or 2 days. Bring your own comfortable clothes and supplies.

This list can be found on the Healthy Parents Healthy Children website

• Alberta Personal Health Care card and other insurance cards (for example, Blue Cross)
• Prenatal health record if needed (sometimes given to you by your healthcare provider, but is often already at the hospital)
• Housecoat, slippers, pajamas or other comfortable clothing (many choose to wear hospital gowns)
• 3 pairs of maternity underwear
• 2 bras (nursing bras if breast/chestfeeding)
• Toiletries including body wash or soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissues etc.
• 1 package of long extra absorbent maxi sanitary pads
• Cell phone and charger (or coins for the payphone) and any phone numbers you may need
• Loose-fitting clothing to wear home (you will probably still be fitting into maternity clothing)
• Camera and charger
• Your copy of Healthy Parents Healthy Children

NOTE: It is best to leave any valuables, including cash and/or jewelry at home

• 1 receiving/lightweight flannel blanket
• 1 to 2 undershirts/onesies
• 1 – 2 sleepers
• 1 package of infant diapers
• Hat
• Laundry bag or plastic bag for dirty clothing
• Sweater/fleece jacket for going home
• Approved car seat (Please visit healthyparentshealthychildren.ca for current information)

You may want to bring items to help you (and/or your labour support person) during labour and birth. Here are some suggestions:

• Drinks (for example, 100% fruit juice) and popsicles for mom and your support person
• Lip balm and/or mouth spray
• Sugar-free mints or hard candies, to keep your mouth moist
• Focal point, like a picture
• Music (e.g.an iPod™ and a charger)
• Massage tools, like tennis balls or frozen rolling pins
• Extra pillows
• Unscented massage oil or lotion
• Snacks
• Warm socks
• Camera (please ask permission from healthcare providers before taking their picture)
• List of comfort techniques you want to use