What to Bring to the Hospital




For the birthing parent

RAMQ card

Hospital card

Hospital registration paperwork, if your clinic has given you anything

Eyeglasses / contact lenses

Hair band, barrettes, elastics

Kleenex

Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, face cream, lip balm, etc.

Healthy, nutritious snacks and Fruit juice or sport drinks

Bathrobe

Nightgown or pyjamas

Slippers. You are not permitted to walk in sock feet in the hospital.

Socks

Several pairs of large underwear that you will gladly throw away after your hospital stay

If you choose not to wear a hospital gown during labour, bring something loose and comfortable that you don't mind getting stained. A short dress or a long top with short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily or if you need an IV put in place.

Flip flops for the shower or walking the halls

Pillow (If you do bring your own pillow, be sure to use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital pillows.)

Tucks pads for sore stitches. These are found in the pharmacy and are sold as hemorrhoid pads. Great for cleaning the perineum in the weeks after birth too.

Perineal irrigation bottle (found at the pharmacy, looks like a small squirt bottle)

A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into. What you wore at 6 months pregnant is usually a good size.




For the partner

A few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant.

Flip flops for showering at the hospital.

Slippers. You are not permitted to walk in sock feet in the hospital.

A change of clothes

Healthy snacks

A bathing suit. If your partner wants to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want to jump in with them to help support.




For your baby

24 newborn disposable diapers

Alcohol-free bum wipes

An infant car seat. You need one to leave the hospital

A going-home outfit. A one-piece pajama is very good with a body suit underneath and a hat.

Snowsuit if it's very cold

A blanket (a heavy one if the weather's cold)