Your birth centre stay may only be for one or two days. Bring your own comfortable clothes and supplies. Even your baby can start life in their own clothes!
\n \nFor mom:
\nAlberta Personal Health Care card and other insurance cards (for example, Blue Cross)
\nHospital admission card, if available
\nHousecoat, slippers, 2 nightgowns, pajamas or sweatsuit
\n5 to 6 panties and 2 bras (nursing bras if breastfeeding)
\nToiletries including toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, tissue, shampoo, 1 package of long maxi sanitary pads
\nPhone numbers
\nLoose-fitting clothing to wear home (for example, maternity clothing)
\nCamera
\nBlack pen
\nYour copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Children
For baby:
3 to 4 receiving blankets
\n3 to 4 undershirts
\n4 sleepers or nighties
\n1 package of infant diapers
\nHat or toque
\n1 warm blanket
\nLaundry bag, or plastic bag for dirty clothing
\nBaby clothes for going home: T-shirt, outfit, hat, receiving blanket, outer blanket
\nApproved car seat
Labour and support items
You may want to bring items to help you during labour and birth. Here are some suggestions:
\nDrinks, juice, popsicles for mom and partner
\nLip balm, mouth spray, mints or hard candies to suck on
\nFocal point, like a picture
\nMusic, iPod
\nMassage tools, like tennis balls or frozen rolling pins
\nExtra pillows
\nMassage oil or lotion
\nSnacks for mom and partner(s)
\nWarm socks for mom
\nCamera (please ask permission from caregivers before taking their picture)
\nList of comfort techniques from prenatal classes or Healthy Parents, Healthy Children.
\nYou may also want to make a list of other items you may want to bring.
\nReprinted with permission from Perinatal Education, Birth & Babies, Alberta Health Services. Perinatal Education offers over 30 different courses for expectant and new families. For more information about pregnancy and to view the course calendar, visit www.birthandbabies.com.
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