What to bring (Giving birth)

Your Labour Kit:

• The IWK Family Information booklet
• Your provincial health card (e.g. NS Health Card)
• Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush, comb, Kleenex®
• Slippers, housecoat, lip balm for Mom, warm socks
• Extra pillows for the bed (optional)
• Music CDs if desired (optional)

 After delivery:

• Two nursing bras or good support bras (such as a sports bra)
• 12 breast pads
• 24 sanitary napkins (super absorbent are best)
• Lots of underwear (good time to use your old ones)
• Nightgown / pyjamas, nursing gown, comfortable casual loose clothes
• Books, magazines (optional)
• Special diet instructions or any food restrictions
• Snacks for mom (optional)
• Any medications you are taking (please give medications to your Family Newborn Nurse)
• A watch or travel clock (none of the Family Newborn rooms have clocks)
• Pens (for completing forms about the baby) and paper

Partner's Supply Kit (or kit for support person/labour coach):

• Snacks, food, water or juice (you could bring a cooler)
• Personal hygiene items and some changes of clothing
• Pyjamas - please bring some if you are staying with Mom!

For Baby:

• Two dozen or three dozen diapers (approximately 12-14 used per day)
• Diaper cream (i.e. Vaseline®, Zincofax®, Penaten®) - optional
• Two (or more) undershirts
• Two take-home outfits (you may also wish to bring an outfit for photos)
• One receiving blanket
• One heavy blanket (consider outside weather)
• One infant car seat-appropriate size for a newborn. The IWK does not rent or loan car seats. You must have one for discharge. Please make sure it meets Canadian safety standards.
• The IWK is a Breastfeeding friendly hospital. However, if you are not planning to breast feed, please bring ready-to-feed formula.
• Soothers are not provided.
• Emery boards are not provided.
• Nail clippers are not provided nor recommended