Expecting a baby and not sure what you’ll want or need when you get to the hospital or birth centre to give birth? We’re here to help! We’ve talked to thousands of people who have given birth over the years and have come up with this list of things to consider.

Whether you’re headed to a Birth Center or the Hospital to have your baby, there are a few things you might want to have with you when it’s time to go. Most people will give birth somewhere around the 40 or 41st week, although some will go earlier. You might want to have your bag mostly packed by 37 weeks, just in case.

If you’re planning a home birth, you may wish to have a bag packed in case you need to have your care transferred to the hospital.

If you’re being induced, it can take some time (sometimes up to a few days). While you’ll want to be prepared for this, try not to take the suitcase that you travel overseas with! The space in hospital rooms isn’t large and it may just get in the way.

Review this list and prioritize what you feel is important to be comfortable at the either the Birth Centre or in the Hospital. Keep in mind, not everyone will have the same priorities!

FOR YOU:

• Health card and private health insurance information

• Lip balm and unscented hand cream or body lotion (it can be dry, especially in the cooler months)

• Personal care items (shampoo, soap, Kleenex, brush, hairdryer, toothbrush & toothpaste, hair elastics, glasses/contact solution & case, shower shoes)

• Medication (prescribed), Advil or Tylenol for pain, stool softener

• A heating pad (if you have one and like using it)

• A peri bottle (a saviour for rinsing after going to the bathroom – like a personal bidet)

• Maxi pads (1 package) or adult diaper (there will be a significant amount of bleeding afterwards)

• PJs, a housecoat (if you usually wear one) and slippers or indoor slip on shoes with non-slip soles

• Bathing suit top, if using tub (can choose to wear nothing)

• Change of clothes to wear when going home (appox size is about month 4 or 5 of pregnancy)

• Comfortable and loose fitting underwear, a supportive bra, nursing bra

• Reusable water bottle

• Nutritious snacks, gum or mints

• Your favourite pillow and pillow case (use a pillowcase that’s unique, not white, so you know it’s yours)

• LED candles if you prefer lower light

• Birth plan (if you have one), pen, note pad

• Entertainment – phone/tablet (including charger and earphones), books, magazines 

• Portable speaker and a playlist of soothing sounds/music or favourite relaxation or meditation

FOR YOUR PARTNER:

• Pillow and blanket (if planning to stay over)

• Phone and charger

• Camera (if you have something other than a phone that you want to use)

• Change of clothes & personal care items

• Bathing suit if going in tub with partner

• Contact info of people to get in touch with after baby arrives

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks & food (in a small cooler)

• Support kit for partner (for example: massage oil, tennis ball(s), wood roller for massage)

For Baby:

• Diapers (newborn size) & wipes (alcohol & fragrance free)

• Sleepers

• Clothing to wear going home (something that suits the season)

• Hat

• Receiving blankets

• A baby blanket

• Carrier or wrap if you think you’ll use it (not essential, but great to have!)

• Car seat (meets Canadian road standards) – be sure you know how to install and take out before baby is born

ITEMS YOU MAY WISH TO HAVE WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME:

• Medication: stool softener, witch hazel

• Peri bottle

• Sitz bath (to use with toilet – super helpful for healing!) and epsom salts

• Nursing pads (for leaking once your milk comes in)

• Green cabbage (helps with engorgement)

• Ready to eat (frozen) meals and snacks – try for lots of fibre!

• Baby clothing, hats

• Diapers (don’t invest in too many newborn diapers as they may not last long!)

• Wipes

• Receiving blankets (for baby spit up)

• Wrap or carrier

• Stroller

You’ll want to avoid bringing valuables to the hospital. If you’re used to taking off rings or other jewelry each night, be sure to leave it at home instead.

Did we miss anything? Leave us a comment below or send us an email if there’s something you think we should add to our list!

Pregnant? Join us for our Prenatal Fitness Series! Each series is usually 6 weeks long and we focus on various topics relevant to the prenatal population and work to help develop a feeling of community for our members. Find more information on our Prenatal Fitness page or have your questions answered on our FAQs page.

Fitmama Strong Durham has been operating in the Durham Region since 2010. We offer prenatal fitness, prenatal yoga, babywearing fitness, stroller fitness, live-online classes and and on-demand library of workouts. Our in-person and online community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles.

#startwithus and #growwithus by purchasing one of our class passes. We can’t wait to have you join us! (formerly FITMOM Durham)