For Mothers
What to Pack
When the big day arrives, you want to make sure you are ready and prepared for your hospital stay.
Here is a checklist of items you will want to consider bringing with you for your delivery:
For Mom
• Lightweight gown, robe or comfortable sleeping clothes
• Desired toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant)
• Hair brush and hair accessories
• Nursing bra, breast pads, nursing pillow
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Contact List
• Sanitary pads
• Non-slip socks, slippers
• Your glasses or contact lenses, if applicable
• Pillow from home for extra comfort
• Light reading materials
• Going home clothes
• Hospital paperwork and insurance card
For Baby
• Receiving blankets
• First outfit and going home outfit
• Socks/booties
• Sun or winter hat
• Infant car seat
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest ways you can choose to feed and care for your baby. The skin to skin contact promotes a sense of closeness and security for your baby and supports bonding. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that human milk has the best nutrients, calories and fluids your baby needs to be healthy. It is easy for your baby to digest and helps protect your baby from disease and infection.
Although breastfeeding is natural, we know that mothers may need extra support and guidance in initiating the breastfeeding process. That’s why, at Baptist, each new mother is be visited by a board-certified lactation consultant who can assist with breastfeeding initiation, questions and overall breastfeeding care. In addition to hospital stay consultation, our breastfeeding support services include:
• Sales and rentals of Medela breast pumps and supplies
• Nursing apparel sales
• Baby weight checks by appointment
• Professional nursing bra fittings by appointment
• Outpatient consults available by appointment Monday through
Thursday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Postpartum Support
Childbirth is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life, but it can also be stressful. Motherhood isn’t always instinctive. New mothers need to learn mothering skills just like learning any other life skill. When a mother’s skills grow, she will become more confident. The mother and family education that our team of nurses provide at the bedside after childbirth lay a great foundation for developing those mothering skills. To continue nurturing motherhood and parenting beyond the hospital, Baptist provides two postpartum
support groups – one for mothers and one for fathers.
After Baby Comes (ABC)
This class for new moms and their babies under six months of age is offered at two Baptist Health Care locations. On the second Thursday of each month, the class is held at Baptist Hospital; on the fourth Thursday of each month, it is held at Baptist Medical Park – Nine Mile. Both classes are held from 10 a.m. - Noon. The class is free and preregistration is not required. For more information, call 850.434.4567.
