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What to bring to the hospital checklist
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If you are expecting a baby, live in Nova Scotia and want to learn more about what to expect during your pregnancy and the early weeks following birth, you’ve come to the right place.
If you have a baby or young child, or are looking for the Loving Care or Breastfeeding Basics books, visit Public Health's Parenting Supports webpage.
Prenatal Resources
Whether you are currently pregnant or adjusting to life as a parent, there's a lot to learn and it can be challenging to know where to get credible information. A list of resources can be found here to help support you during these times.
You can always contact your local Public Health Office at any time during pregnancy and parenthood. We are here for you and your family.
Planning Your Hospital Visit
As you get ready to give birth, here are some ideas to think about for your hospital visit:
- During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, keep your Health Card and copy of your Prenatal Record (if your doctor gave it to you) in your purse. Be sure to bring these to your prenatal visits.
- Most new mothers are in hospital just a day or two. During this short time you will be learning about your baby, feeding and caring for her/him and getting over the birth yourself.
- Think about the day you come home with the baby. Who will be there to help and support you? What do you need to have in place before you come home? How will you get home? Do you have a safe car seat for your baby?
- At the hospital the nurses are here to help you learn to care for yourself and your baby. Ask lots of questions. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
- Many people are eager to visit you in hospital. Encourage visitors to keep visits short.
- Remember that your baby will be feeding during the day and night. You and baby need to rest between feedings. Feeding your baby is a priority.
Bring a supporter to stay with you. This person is often a partner, mother, sister or friend. Bring someone you trust and feel comfortable with. There are a limited number of cots available on a first come, first served basis. Your supporter is there to help you learn to care for the baby during your stay. If your supporter is staying overnight, he/she should bring:
- Pajamas, change of clothing, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush, camera / phone and perhaps a small cooler with food (we do not provide food for supporters). Your nurse will explain how to order your food.
A small welcome pack will be waiting for you in your post-natal room which will include a few basic items only.
Therefore, when you are preparing for your baby’s arrival, please consider the following:
We look forward to meeting you and your baby. If you have questions, please ask the Nurse at your next prenatal visit or your Public Health Nurse.
Video Tours of Maternity Units at Nova Scotia Hospitals
Bundled Birth Service
The electronic bundled birth service is available at all of our maternity sites.
The kiosk provides a fast and easy way for new parents to access government services related to the birth of a child. When the birth registration form is completed, new parents have the option to access any of the following services:
- Apply for their baby’s Social Insurance Number
- Apply for Canada Child Benefits
- Apply and pay for their baby’s Nova Scotia Birth Certificate
- Activate their baby’s Nova Scotia Health Card
For more information please visit: www.accessns.ca/birth
Clinics, Programs, and Services
Nurse-Family Partnership
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Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a voluntary home-visiting program offered by Eastern Zone Public Health. The program pairs a specially trained nurse with a person who is pregnant with their...