Ready, Set, Baby!

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 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 a local fitting station (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. Contact the Brown County Health Department or Center for Childhood Safety for options near you.
• 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