What to bring to the hospital

Written By Megan Tisdale

One thing that I always need a refresher on is what to bring to the hospital.

So I figured I should collect all my knowledge and make a little list of what you could bring to the hospital. I have organized it into what bag it may go into (up to you to change it up if you want).

Your Bag:

  • ID/Health card

  • Toothbrush + toothpaste

  • deodorant

  • hairbrush

  • Lip balm

  • hair ties

  • socks

  • pjs

  • loose fitting but comfy pants

  • loose shirt

  • breastfeeding bra or sports bra

  • a pillow (make sure to put in a discernable pillowcase)

    • Its a good comfort item from home to have

  • flip flops

  • disposable underwear/ pads (fraser health hospitals offer these for birthing people but if you want your own feel free to bring.)

  • Paper and pen (in case you want to take notes on paper)

  • Phone

  • Charger

Baby Bag:

  • Sleeper x 2

  • going home outfit (if you wish)

  • cute name card (if you wish)

  • swaddle

  • wet wipes

Partner/support person Bag:

  • Change of clothes for them

  • bathing suit (if you want their help in the shower/bath)

  • socks

  • toothpaste + toothbrush

  • deodorant

  • pillow and blanket for them

  • phone + charger

  • snacks

  • wallet

    • Exact change or credit card (needed for parking)

      • Vending machines at some hospitals don’t allow change.

In terms of how many different outfits you should have, a normal stay for a vaginal birth is around one night. For a c-section, it is normal to stay for around 2 nights. Both these estimates are for births that go optimally in their respective ways.

Fraser Health hospitals have soothers, breast pumps, newborn and preemie diapers, dry wipes, peri bottles, and birthing balls available to birthing parents when supplies are available.

Megan Tisdale
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Alice’s Birth and Pregnancy story