When It's Time
We are very pleased that you have chosen a Baptist Health System hospital for your baby’s birth. We want you to feel prepared. Here are some suggestions for things you may want to do prior to delivery.
Pre-register
We highly encourage you to pre-register for the birth of your baby as soon as possible. Completing the required paperwork ahead of time will help to expedite your admission to the hospital. Please remember that you will still need to complete some paperwork in person at the hospital's Admissions Department.
Pack a bag.
Include items needed for labor and take a separate bag for you and your baby’s hospital stay following delivery.
Purchase your baby’s car seat.
Even more important, remove it from it’s box and read the instructions. Learn to adjust all straps so you will know how to place baby in the seat securely. It may help to practice with a doll or stuffed animal. Also, practice securing the car seat in the car with the seat belt. The car seat should face backwards in the rear automobile seat. Your baby should ride in the car seat every time you travel in the car. Remember, it is the law.
Choose a Pediatrician or Family Practice doctor for your baby.
We recommend that you select a pediatrician or family practice physician before you come to the hospital for the birth of your baby. Please check with your insurance company for a list of providers as you make your selection. If you have not selected a physician prior to delivery or if your physician does not have privileges at the hospital, the hospital's on-call pediatrician will provide care for your baby while in the hospital.
Make a “practice run” to the Hospital
Find out how long it takes to get to the hospital in traffic and plan an alternate route for emergency situations (heavy traffic due to an accident, closed roadways due to weather, etc.).
Keep gas tanks at least ¼ full.
Shop ahead for easy to prepare meals for after you are home with your baby.
Explore childcare options if you plan to return to work after your baby is born.
Discuss with your physician whether you are to call prior to coming to the hospital when in labor.