Brought to you by Wolfson Children’s Hospital
Expecting your first baby is a very exciting time but it can also be overwhelming. If you just found out that you are pregnant, you’re probably trying to get your hands on as much information as possible so you can be prepared for the big day. As you get your checklist together and cross items off the list, however, don’t let the preparation process overshadow the joy and anticipation you feel!
Taking care of your body by eating healthy, exercising and cutting out certain items in your diet like caffeine and alcohol, is one of the most important things you can do. But here are a few more to consider as you navigate through the pre-delivery haze.
Research Your Options
Creating a birth plan helps you decide where you want to have your baby, who you want to deliver, whether to have an epidural and pain medication or try for a natural birth, who you want present and even what you want to happen in the event that things don’t go as planned. There are lots of choices for moms these days, so read up on what makes the most sense for you, your beliefs and your pain threshold. You also may want to read about cesarean deliveries, since sometimes that is the safest option.
In addition to talking to your obstetrician about what might be best for you, there are classes you can take that cover these topics and more. Baptist Health offers several at its four main hospital campuses, including an 8-hour Prepared Childbirth course, recommended during the second trimester, which covers what to expect during the birthing process, pain management, cesarean birth and postpartum care. Sign up early, though – these classes tend to fill up quickly.
Amy Bradfield, RNC, BSN, a certified childbirth educator at Baptist Medical Center South, stresses the benefits of taking the class. “I believe the most important reason to take a childbirth preparation class is that education and preparation is power,” she said. “It helps reduce fears of the unknown, and empowers you to make good decisions. It’s also a great way to meet new people who are going through the same thing you are.”
The most important person on your team once baby is born is the pediatrician or family physician, and the first checkup comes just one to days after discharge. Find one that you like and trust, and line him or her up ahead of time. Most offer a prenatal appointment so parents can get information about vaccinations, circumcision, umbilical cord blood banking, and after-hours contact numbers.
Preparing for the Hospital
If you choose to have your baby at the hospital, there are a few headache savers to help you get through the paperwork faster. Most offer maternity suite tours and pre-registration as a part of that. Pre-registration allows you to get your name, insurance information and obstetrician’s contact information in the hospital’s system so it’s already there when you arrive, reducing the amount of paperwork you’ll need to fill out. Plan to bring your photo ID and insurance card with you.
Being as prepared as possible is key, so pack your bag early, too. Put some thought into what necessities you’d like to have to help keep you comfortable, such as lip balm, snacks, eyeglasses, a comfy bathrobe, nursing bra and a going home outfit for the baby.
Many Labor and Delivery (L&D) Centers feature environments that are more like being at home, with the addition of some special amenities. Baptist Medical Center Beaches will unveil its newly renovated L&D by the end of 2016, featuring spa-like suites for moms to bond with their newborns. The center will offer comfy sleeper sofas and recliners, large private bathrooms, and select spa treatments, like massages.
Don’t Forget the Ride Home
Taking your newborn home can be a little scary as you leave the protective environment of the hospital, but you’ll feel better if you’re comfortable with how the car seat works, and how to install it.
“Following passenger safety car seat guidelines is not only an important factor in keeping your baby safe while you’re traveling in the car, but it’s Florida law,” said Cynthia Dennis, RN, coordinator of prevention for Safe Kids Northeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Go through several practice runs before baby arrives, and get the car seat inspected to ensure that it’s installed correctly. Safe Kids Northeast Florida offers a Safe Kids Buckle Up® inspection station featuring free car and booster seat installation checks by certified child passenger safety technicians. For an appointment, you can call 904.202.4302.
