Long before the first contractions hit, you'll want a firm plan for who to call, where to go, and when.
Your doctor or midwife should give you a clear set of guidelines on what to do when you go into labor, like when to call and when to head for the hospital or birth center. Decide who will take you there, and have a few back-up folks lined up to help if you need it. Know the route you'll take – this may sound silly, but it will be one fewer thing to think about. This includes learning where to park and which entrance to use when it's time to check yourself in.
You can get a handle on these logistics by taking a tour of your hospital or birth center. On the tour, you'll also learn about basic policies and see the labor rooms and nursery.
If you can, register for the delivery ahead of time and get the paperwork out of the way. When labor rolls around, you'll be able to bypass the bureaucracy and breeze – er, waddle – right in.
Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date
The last thing you'll want to worry about when labor starts is whether you have a toothbrush packed. Ease your mind by getting your bag together a few weeks before your due date. Refer to our comprehensive packing list for the hospital or birth center or, if you know you're having a c-section.
In addition to the essentials, think about personal items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable. I bought nice slippers so I could feel good walking around the hospital, and I also brought my robe when I had my children.
e-mail: help@pregnantandalone.org
Your doctor or midwife should give you a clear set of guidelines on what to do when you go into labor, like when to call and when to head for the hospital or birth center. Decide who will take you there, and have a few back-up folks lined up to help if you need it. Know the route you'll take – this may sound silly, but it will be one fewer thing to think about. This includes learning where to park and which entrance to use when it's time to check yourself in.
You can get a handle on these logistics by taking a tour of your hospital or birth center. On the tour, you'll also learn about basic policies and see the labor rooms and nursery.
If you can, register for the delivery ahead of time and get the paperwork out of the way. When labor rolls around, you'll be able to bypass the bureaucracy and breeze – er, waddle – right in.
Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date
The last thing you'll want to worry about when labor starts is whether you have a toothbrush packed. Ease your mind by getting your bag together a few weeks before your due date. Refer to our comprehensive packing list for the hospital or birth center or, if you know you're having a c-section.
In addition to the essentials, think about personal items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable. I bought nice slippers so I could feel good walking around the hospital, and I also brought my robe when I had my children.
e-mail: help@pregnantandalone.org
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