Having a baby on the way can be an exciting and stressful time. While you’re likely over the moon about the prospect of not being pregnant anymore and finally being able to hold your little one in your arms, what it actually takes to get the baby here might be something you find yourself having nightmares about. However, with a little preparation, you can start to feel a lot more at ease about the labor and delivery process. To help you get to this point, here are three tips for preparing to deliver your first baby at the hospital.
Take A Hospital Tour
Depending on where you live and what the medical facilities are like in your area, you might be able to take a tour of the hospital you’ll be delivering at. This can be very helpful for you, especially as you see what the Mom/Baby Unit is like. While it’s helpful to hope for the best on the day you’ll deliver, Dr. Robin Elise Weiss, a contributor to VeryWell.com, shares that you should ask as many questions as you have. Not only will this help to give you the information you need, but you’ll be able to get a preview of how the hospital staff deals with tough questions or patients who aren’t afraid to push back.
Know What To Pack
In preparation for going to the hospital, you’ll want to pack a bag that you can take with you. This bag should have everything that you, your baby, and your support team will need throughout the whole labor and delivery process, as you don’t want your partner having to run back home for something and then miss the baby being born. According to Terri Isidro-Cloudas and Emily Turnier, contributors to Parents.com, you should bring things like your phone and charger, some cash for vending machines, outfits for you and baby to go home in, a nursing bra, and any other clothing you think will be comfortable for you. Most things for the baby will be provided for by the hospital, you don’t worry about packing too much for him or her.
Get Pre-Registered
Before the day of your labor and delivery comes, you’ll want to get pre-registered with the hospital. While this might sound like a hassle, Heidi Murkoff of WhatToExpect.com, shares that you’ll get glad you got all of this paperwork and administrative stuff out of the way before you come to the hospital for “the big show”. So a week or two before you think you’ll be delivering, give the hospital a call or stop by so you can fill out any necessary paperwork and get the ball rolling on getting your baby here.
If you’ll soon be delivering your first baby in the hospital, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this momentous occasion.
