Your birth centre stay may only be for 1 or 2 days. Bring your own comfortable clothes and supplies.
Checklist for your birth centre stay
This list can be found on the Healthy Parents Healthy Children website
For the birthing parent
- 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
For baby
- 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)
Labour support items
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