Coming to the hospital for childbirth
Learn when to come to the hospital if you think are you in labour and what to bring to the hospital.
When to call / come to hospital
If you think you are in labour or have any questions, please call your doctor or midwife right away.
Then, call the maternity area of the hospital where you will be having your baby before you come to the hospital to speak with one of the nurses.
Phone numbers
- Lions Gate Hospital Maternity Services: 604-988-3131
- Richmond Birth Centre at Richmond Hospital: 604-244-5133
- Squamish General Hospital Maternity Services: 604-892-6055
- Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital Maternity Services: 604-885-2224
- qathet General Hospital Maternity Services: 604-485-3211
A registered nurse will be assigned to care for you throughout your labour. Your health-care provider (doctor and/or midwife) will see you at various times during your stay and will be present during the birth.
What to bring to the hospital
You will need to provide a piece of photo ID, and Personal Health Number (B.C. Care Card) to the admitting clerk. If your birthing care provider gave you some papers from their office, please bring these with you to give to the nurses at the hospital.
A standard stay in the hospital is one to two days for a vaginal delivery and two to three days for a Caesarean section delivery.
Plan to bring the following items with you
- Toiletries and self-care items
- Medications and medical devices you are on
- A change of clothes
- Chargers and adapters for personal electronic devices
- Extra pillows and sleep linens
- A CMVSS-approved infant car seat
- A few snacks and drinks
- A package of pre-moistened baby wipes
- Comfortable non-slip footwear
- A few baby outfits and blankets
- Colostrum kit
If you are sent home in early labour
If you are deemed to be in pre-labour, we believe the best place for you and your family is in the comfort of your own home. Pre-labour is a normal part of labour and may last several hours.
In many cases, this means there is a good chance you will be sent home in early labour if you meet the following criteria:
- Aare expecting to give birth for the first time
- Have a low-risk, healthy pregnancy
- Are pregnant with one baby (i.e. not twins)
- Are coping well with labour contractions
- Have adequate support at home,
- Have transportation to and from the hospital
- Have good lines of communication with the care team
- You and your support people are comfortable with the overall plan
Our hospital team will arrange a time to offer a quick ‘check-in’ phone call while you are labouring at home, or schedule a time for one of you to call the hospital unit back.
Comfort measures in early labour
If you are advised to stay home or are sent home from the hospital in early labour, we encourage you to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible at home.
Here are some suggestions to help minimize discomfort in early labour:
-
Minimize discomfort associated with cramping and contractions
- Rhythmic deep breathing (“in” for 2 seconds, “out” for 4 seconds)
- Light activity, such as walking, standing, and sitting, often helps to relieve discomfort
- Try resting in different positions to see what is most comfortable for you
- A nap if you become tired
- A warm shower or warm bath
- Read a book, watch TV, or listen to music
- Try some aromatherapy with a diffuser and essential oils
- Eat a light, easily digested snack, such as toast
- Drink plenty of fluids
-
Relieve backache
- Sit in a rocking chair
- Sit, or lie on your side, with your knees drawn up towards your chest
- Use a hot or cold pack on your back
- Have your support person give you a back rub or massage
- Avoid taking any medication during this time, unless advised to by your doctor/midwife
- Walking, and rocking hips from side to side while leaning forward on something ( like a counter)
Hospital directions and virtual tours
When it is time for you to come to the hospital, it can be reassuring to know how to get there and what the rooms may look like for you and/or your family.
See key information and pictures or videos specific to the hospital you plan to have your baby at. This includes information like:
- Phone number of where to call before you come
- How to get there
- Parking information
- Where to go when you arrive
- Labour and/or birthing room pictures
- Accommodations for you and/or your family member
