Your birth centre stay may only be for 1 or 2 days. Bring your own comfortable clothes and supplies. Even your baby can start life in his or her own clothes!
Checklist for your birth centre stay
This list can be found on page 135 of Healthy Parents Healthy Children: Pregnancy and Birth. Or click here to see it on the Healthy Parents Healthy Children website
For mom
- Alberta Personal Health Care card and other insurance cards (for example, Blue Cross)
- Prenatal health record (if given to you by your healthcare provider)
- Housecoat, slippers, pajamas or other comfortable clothing (many women choose to wear hospital gowns) 3 pairs of maternity underwear
- 2 bras (nursing bras if breastfeeding)
- Toileties including moisturizing cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, tissue, shampoo
- 1 package of long 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
- Black pen (to fill out hospital and/or government forms)
- Your copy of Healthy Parents Healthy Children
NOTE: It is best to leave any valuables, including cash and/or jewellry at home
For baby
- 1 receiving blanket
- 1 to 2 undershirts
- 1 – 2 sleepers
- 1 package of infant diapers
- Hat
- Laundry bag or plastic bag for dirty clothing
- Baby clothes for going home
- Approved car seat (Please refer to pages 308-309 of the Healthy Parents Healthy Children: The Early Years book, or 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 mois
- Focal point, like a picture
- Music (eg..an iPod™ and a charger)
- Massage tools, like tennis balls or frozen rolling pins
- Extra pillows
- Unscented massage oil or lotion
- Snacks for mom and partner(s)
- Warm socks for mom
- Camera (please ask permission from healthcare providers before taking their picture)
- List of comfort techniques you want to use