It is extremely important to select a
pediatrician or
family practice physician early on in your pregnancy to care for your baby after delivery. You will
need to identify your pediatrician choice upon admission to the hospital.
Packing for the Hospital
Your doctor may have specified a due date, but babies have their own sense
of timing. We recommend you pack your suitcase at 36 weeks. Your big day
could come early – or late. Below is our list of recommended essentials:
Bathrobe, clothes to go home in, and a nursing bra if desired
Washable slippers or flip-flops
Personal care products (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush)
Baby clothes and a blanket for going home
Camera – per hospital policy only still photography is allowed during
the delivery.
Infant car seat – hospital staff are unable to place infants in car
seats or install the car seat in your vehicle. Please call one of the
following agencies and make an appointment to have your car seat installation
checked thoroughly before you come to the hospital:
Please DO NOT bring valuables or credit cards to the hospital. We cannot
assume responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
Pre-Registration and Other Forms
You will need to complete some documents for us, both before and after
your baby’s birth.
Your Birth Plan: This form is not legally required. However, we encourage you to take the
time to fill out our birth plan so we can help provide the environment
that will make you most comfortable, physically and emotionally, from
your preferences regarding pain relief, visitors, comfort measures, and
more. It is also important to discuss your plan with your physician or
midwife during an office visit before you come to the hospital for delivery.
Learn more about the
Birth Plan. Fill out your birth plan in English or Spanish.
Pre-Registration: Expectant mothers should preregister by the seventh month of pregnancy. You can
fill this form out online, here.
Your Baby’s Birth Certificate: Your child will need this essential piece of paperwork throughout his
or her life. Birth certificate registration for your baby is done while
you are in the hospital. Your baby will also be issued a Social Security
Number at this time.
We encourage you to pint these forms, fill them out, and bring them with
you when you arrive to deliver your baby. If you don't bring them with
you, the forms will be available at the hospital and you'll be asked to
complete them once you arrive at the postpartum unit.
Paternity Papers: This form serves as an official declaration of paternity when the child’s
parents are not married. Paternity papers can be filled out and signed
by both parents. A government issued photo ID (driver’s license,
passport, etc.) is required to sign the papers. The paternity forms are
available through the birth clerk in the hospital. Once paternity papers
are signed, the father can be listed as such on the birth certificate.
This does not affect the baby’s last name – the baby can have
the father’s last name regardless of whether or not the father has
signed the paternity papers. The paternity forms are available in the hospital.
