What to Pack to the Hospital
Giving birth can be a wonderful and enriching experience. To enhance your stay with us, we suggest you consider packing a few of the following items:
- A change of clothes for you and your baby
- Slippers and comfortable socks
- Comfort items to get you through labor such as your favorite music, a favorite picture, visualization script, lip balm, massage oils or lotions, a birth ball, tennis ball, or other massage tools for back comfort
- Several pillows from home for comfort in labor and during breastfeeding after your baby is born
- Toiletries
- Receiving blankets and clothes for your baby’s trip home
- Car seat
When Labor Begins
Once you’re in labor, your healthcare provider will advise you when you should come to the hospital. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your care provider.
Labor Support
Continuous labor support is a critical component of a positive and powerful birthing experience, and we seek to honor a pregnant woman’s choice of support. Children of the laboring mother are welcome to participate in the birth of their sibling. To maintain a safe and healthy environment for our newborns, we ask that children under the age of 14 (who are not siblings of the infant to be born) and visitors who are ill stay at home. Visitation may be restricted in some cases at the healthcare teams’ discretion. In the event of a Cesarean section, support people will be counseled on a case-by-case basis. Doulas are welcome to provide labor support if the childbearing mother wishes.
After Your Baby Arrives
Families frequently welcome their newest members soon after birth. We have provisions for the father or primary support person to stay with the mother 24 hours a day if the mother desires. An adult visitor is expected to accompany all siblings of the newborn under the age of 14. To protect our newborns, please wash your hands prior to touching the baby.