St. Vincent Services Women's Health Having A Baby Ready, Set, Baby! Ready, Set, Baby! Trusted Experience Because we know you have questions, we’re here to help answer those questions and guide you through the hospital pre-registration process and your hospital stay. Pre-Admission Checklist Choose a pediatrician or family practice physician to take care of your baby. Before you make a choice, make sure he/she is covered by your insurance company. You may want to make an appointment or a phone contact with your potential choices before you make a decision. Make childcare arrangements for any children left at home when you come to the hospital. Make arrangements for pet care, if needed. If you are returning to work, find/hire a licensed day care provider for your baby. Try a practice driving route to the St. Vincent Women and Infants Center, if needed. Call your insurance company. Find out if you need any type of pre-certification and find out how long you can stay. Make sure to write down who you spoke with, the date, and what information they gave you Have the following items ready at home: clothing, blankets, diapers and other essential baby layette items. It is always best to pre-wash any clothes/blankets before dressing your baby in them. If you are planning to formula or bottle feed your baby, make sure you have a supply of formula, bottles and nipples on hand for when you arrive back home. The hospital only provides formula for your baby during your hospital stay Get and install a car seat for your baby. After you have installed the car seat in your vehicle, make an appointment at one of our local fitting stations (all staffed by certified technicians) to double check that your seat is correctly installed. We strongly encourage you to have this done by your eighth month of pregnancy and definitely prior to your admission. A month before your baby is due, pack your bag for the hospital. What to Pack for Mom: Necessary: Insurance card and hospital paperwork Eyeglasses, if needed If desired: Cell phone, charger Book, magazine or cards for early labor Bathrobe Socks and slippers Hair bands, ties or barrettes Lip moisturizer Massage lotion Tennis ball or massage /comfort tools Sentimental item from home, such as a favorite pillow or blanket Focal point, such as an ultrasound or vacation photo Music Birth plan Nursing bra Loose, comfortable clothes Basic toiletries and a hair brush What to Pack for Baby Infant car seat (install car seat base early) Going-home outfit Receiving blanket Pair of socks or booties Extra cap/hat Baby book for footprints If you choose/plan to use: a pacifier (hospital does not provide any) What to Pack for Your Partner/Support Person: Camera, cell phone, chargers Cash for parking Basic toiletries Change of clothes During your stay with us the hospital will provide: Blow dryer Hospital gowns Disposable panties and sanitary pads Baby gowns and blankets (will need your own for home) Enough disposable diapers for your hospital stay (have a supply ready at home) If formula feeding: ready to use bottles of formula (you will need your own supply for home)