Labour contact list: who to tell, and in what order
A labour contact list saves stress on the day. Make it now, with the maternity unit first and a backup for every job.
The order
- The maternity unit or midwife (follow their advice).
- The person who looks after older children or pets.
- The birth partner, if not already there.
- Close family, later, when you are ready.
Name a backup for every job
Childcare, pets and a lift to the hospital each need a second person. Write down who calls the backup if the first person cannot come.
One person tells the family
Choose one person to pass on news, often the birth partner or a grandparent. They send one message to everyone, so you can rest and stay off the phone.
Prepare now
Save the numbers, agree who tells the rest of the family, and keep a charger in the hospital bag. Make your list with the who to call tool.
Questions people ask
Who should be on a labour contact list?
Your maternity unit or midwife first, then the people caring for your children or pets, your birth partner, your lift to hospital, and one person who tells the family.
Who calls the maternity unit?
Either of you. Agree now who will make the call, keep the number in both phones, and follow the advice they give (NHS).
What if labour starts at night?
That is common, so choose childcare people who can come at night, and add a backup for each one.
Where should we keep the list?
On both phones, plus a paper copy in the hospital bag, in case a phone runs out of battery.
When should the list be ready?
With your hospital bag. The NHS suggests packing at least 3 weeks before the due date (NHS).
Sources
- NHS: Signs that labour has begun · checked October 26, 2026