It is helpful to have your bags packed and baby’s clothes prepared ahead of time. You may want to pack a smaller bag for your labour and a larger one for your hospital stay. Use items from home such as snacks, a heating pad, and music, to help create a positive labour experience.
Below are examples of items that you may want to pack. For a downloadable checklist, click here.
For your hospital stay:
Clothing:
- One housecoat and pair of slippers
- 1-2 nightgowns, preferably front opening for nursing
- Multiple pairs of socks and underwear
- Bras (no underwire in bras)
- Comfortable clothing for daytime (such as sweatpants and t-shirt), or pajamas if preferred
- Comfortable shoes (preferably slip-on or no laces)
Toiletries:
- Soap, shampoo, and Kleenex
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Hair elastics
- Unscented lotions
- Sanitary pads
Entertainment and communication:
- Laptops, iPads, or iPods
- Chargers for electronic devices (optional: label with name and phone number)
For Labour:
- Identification and Health Card
- Lip Balm
- Elastic for long hair
- Music
- Focus point (photos of family or pets, baby clothes, or sentimental item from home)
- Comforter/pillows (bright colours or patterns)
- Large towel
- Massage lotion/oil (unscented)
- Ice pack, hot water bottle, tennis balls for massaging back pains
- Lollipops, hard candy, popsicles, or your favourite (clear) beverages
For babies’ hospital stay:
- Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) approved infant car seat
- Undershirt and sleepers
- Diapers and pins, or disposable diapers (newborn or size 1 depending on how big your baby is)
- Sweater, soft hat, and booties
- Shawl or blanket, depending on the weather
For your birth partner:
- Cash/card for parking or vending machines, if needed
- Food or drinks
- Comfortable clothing and PJs
- Slippers or comfortable shoes to wear
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- An extra pillow and blanket
- Camera
- Any medication you may need
- Bathing suit – if using the tub with mom to help in labour
- List of people to notify
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern Zones:
