Here is a list of essential and suggested items for you to bring with you to the hospital.

Paperwork:

  • Completed Childbirth pre-registration forms (PDF document, updated July 2022). Bring these completed forms with you when you come to the hospital to deliver your baby. If you don't have access to a printer, please ask your doctor's office to help you.
  • Your provincial health card (if you have one);
  • Your extended health coverage information and policy numbers;
  • Other papers given to you by your doctor, e.g. antenatal records; and
  • Questions about pregnancy, your birth experience, your hospital stay and community supports.

Items for you and your support person

Essential Items:

  • IMPORTANT: Please bring any medications you are currently taking so they can be reviewed by your healthcare team. This includes any vitamins, natural supplements, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.
  • Sanitary napkins (at least 1 package of large absorbent pads)
  • Comfortable clothing and pajamas (we will provide a hospital gown)

You may also want to bring items to make your stay more comfortable. Here are some examples of "non-essential" items you may want to bring:

  • Extra pillows with bright pillow case
  • Sleeping bag or blankets (for your support person).
  • Supportive bra
  • Toiletries (e.g. hairbrush, deodorant, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Re-useable drinking cup
  • Music
  • Camera
  • Breast pump (if you have one and want to use your pump in hospital)
  • Food and Drinks (e.g. snacks for you and your support person).
    • There may be times when it is not a good idea to eat or drink in labour. If you are unsure, please ask your healthcare team. Otherwise, you may eat and drink during labour.
    • Food suggestions: Small, light snacks that will give you energy. For example: carbohydrate snacks like crackers, granola bars, or fruit.
    • If you do not feel like eating, try to stay hydrated. Clear broth and water are good choices.
    • Each unit of the Childbirth program has a “pantry”. You will find a small refrigerator and microwave for you to use. If you bring in food or drinks, remember to label containers with your name. You may want to bring a cooler with you to keep snacks and drinks in your birthing room.

Please leave valuables, including any jewelry or body piercings, at home. The hospital is not responsible for any personal items lost or stolen while in hospital.

Items for baby

Essential Items:

  • Diapers (at least 1 package of newborn size).
  • Baby wipes
  • Baby clothes for going home
  • Car Seat (and manufacturer’s instructions)

Suggested items:

  • Baby blankets for going home (highly recommended, especially in cooler weather)
  • Baby soap and shampoo (if you want to use a specific brand).

There are some things we provide while you are in hospital:

These items are for your use in hospital. You will need to purchase your own items for at-home use - for example, hospital baby blankets, towels, and other linens are the property of the hospital and should NOT be taken home.

  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Hospital gowns
  • Baby blankets
  • Feeding supplies (e.g. bottles if you choose to bottle feed your baby)
  • Some postpartum recovery items, eg. ice packs, medications to support your recovery, etc.

What if I Forget to Bring Something?

If you forget something, Grand River Hospital may sell what you need. The hospital gift shop and/or hospital pharmacy is located on the 3rd floor. The Childbirth program also has items for sale.

The Children’s and Childbirth program sells the following:

  • Breast Pump Kits (for use with hospital breast pumps).
    • Please buy in the NICU.
  • Breastfeeding Accessories (e.g. Nipple Shield).
    • These can be purchased from one of our lactation consultants.