Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Request an Appointment
  • Patient Online Services
    • Find
      a Service
    • Find
      a Provider
    • Find
      a Location
    • Visit
      our Blog
    • Contact
      Us
    • Refer
      A Patient
    • Patient Stories
    Don't delay your care:
    • Schedule your appointment now for safe, in-person care.
    • Visit our COVID-19 page for safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information. 
    • Get current patient vaccination updates by region.
    • Request an Appointment
    • Patient Online Services
    • Pay Bills Online
    • Refer a Patient
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Donate
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • For Medical Professionals
    • About Us
    • Community Resources
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • CaringBridge
    ERROR!

    Find Classes & Events in Your Area

    • Home
    • About Us
    • Billing & Insurance
    • Careers
    • Online Services
    • Patients & Visitors
    • Services & Treatments
    • Volunteer
    Need to contact us?
    • 507-238-8100

    Birthing Centers

    • Overview
    • About the birth center
    • Tour the facility
    • Safety and security
    • Teleneonatology
    • Getting ready for baby
      • Choose a doctor for baby
      • Childbirth education
      • What you should bring
      • Car seat safety
    • Labor and delivery
    • After delivery
    • Other resources
    • Pre-Admission

    What you should bring

    Being prepared for your stay at the hospital will make it a more comfortable experience for you, as well as your support person and newborn, and the baby's sibling(s).

    Here are some items that you should consider bringing with you:

    For mom

    • Your birth plan.
    • Labor helpers.
    • Lip balm.
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash.
    • Brush, comb and elastic hair bands.
    • Glasses and case, contact solution and case, if needed.
    • Toiletries, including cosmetics, deodorant, hair dryer, hair care items, shampoo and conditioner.
    • Massage aids, including tennis balls; massagers; and lotion, oil or cornstarch/powder.
    • Activities to pass the time, such as a book or deck of cards, in case labor is slow.
    • Things you find relaxing, such as music, pleasant smells like essential oils and a visual.
    • Tub pillow.
    • Personal pillows.Two supportive bras (nursing bras, if you're nursing).
    • Nightgown (or wear hospital gowns) with front opening, if you're nursing.
    • Set of clothes to wear home, such as sweat pants or a mid-pregnancy maternity outfit.
    • Nonskid slippers or socks, and a robe.
    • Electronic devices, including cellphones and chargers, cameras and computing devices (tablets or laptops). Mayo Clinic Health System offers Wi-Fi in many areas of the hospital. Device use within the birth center is governed by hospital policy and terms of use. You should speak to your provider or the nurse in charge if you have questions or concerns about the use of electronic devices.
    • Insurance information.

    For support person

    • Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.
    • Gum or breath mints.
    • Deodorant.
    • Changes of clothes.
    • Watch with a second hand for timing contractions.
    • Swimsuit, if desired, for water-related pain management.
    • Snacks.
    • Activities to pass the time: book or magazine (in case mom sleeps and the support person can't).

    For baby

    • Baby book.
    • One sleeper or outfit for the trip home, and hat and cold weather gear, if needed. The hospital does not provide clothing or blankets for children going home.
    • Receiving or warm blanket, if needed.
    • Car seat (required by law).

    For siblings

    • Small gift from baby.
    • Toys, books or coloring crayons.
    • Snacks.
    • Gifts for baby.

     

    Stay Connected

    • Hometown Health

    Find Out What’s Happening in Your Community

    Stay Informed with the Latest
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    © 2018 - 2021 Mayo Clinic Health System