Start with good prenatal care including nutrition, vitamin supplements, and exercise. Get to know our Medical Providers and establish your care team. Take advantage of our free educational classes that address labor and delivery and breastfeeding. Go to a car seat safety class if your hospital, health plan, or clinic gives one. Car seats can be hard to use correctly without help! Pick out a car seat that fits in your vehicle and is easy to use. Try it in your car before buying it.
Pack what mom and baby will need for labor and delivery.
What to pack for mom ahead of time – ready to bring to the hospital:
- Smartphone with charger.
- Favorite pillow in a pillowcase that is not white.
- Labor support aids like massage lotion and an item to use as a focal point.
- Socks and slippers.
- Personal hygiene items: toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm, deodorant, brush, and hair ties.
- Books or magazines (or download reading materials on smartphone).
What to pack for baby ahead of time – ready to bring to the hospital:
- Baby clothes with legs so the clothing works well in a child car seat and a T-shirt (not a “onesie,” since you don’t want to cover the umbilical cord).
- Sleeper.
- Receiving blanket.
- Car seat, instructions, and locking clip (if needed for installing the seat).
- Two small receiving blankets, a washcloth, and two old towels for padding.
