Preparation Checklists

There are many things you can do to prepare for your baby’s birth and homecoming. Here we give you some suggestions.

1. Choose your baby’s name.

Name for a girl: __________________ Name for a boy: __________________

2. Choose a birth partner. A birth partner is the person who helps you during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
My birth partner is: ____________________________________

3. Plan transportation to the hospital.

How I will get there: ________________________________

How long it will take: ______________

4. Write a birth plan. This is a written statement about your plans for the birth. For example, it may include your choices for:

• The type of health-care provider you would like (for example, if you have a choice between an obstetrician and a midwife)
• Pain relief. You have a choice between natural childbirth and using medications. Some medications used during labor include:
  

  1.	Analgesics (to ease pain and help the body rest between contractions)
  2.	Tranquilizers (to help the mother relax)
  3.	Anesthesia, such as epidural and spinal blocks (to numb certain areas)

• Where you give birth (if this is an option)
• Who will be there for the birth.

5. Decide if you Hill breastfeed or bottle feed.
Before you give birth, it’s important to decide if you will breastfeed. That’s because you can usually begin breastfeeding as soon as your baby is born. If you have questions about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, talk to your health-care provider or contact:

• The La Leche League: 1-800-525-3243 (www.lalecheleague.org)
• Your local WIC office
• Your health-care plan.

6. Decide if you want your baby to be circumcised (if you have a boy).
This procedure removes the foreskin from the penis. It is optional. Talk about the risk and benefits with your health-care provider. If you decide you want your baby to be circumcised, ask about circumcision care.

7. Choose a pediatrician. This is someone who specializes in infant and child care. He or she may want to meet with you before your baby is born. If you don’t have a pediatrician for your baby, ask your health care provider for advice.

My baby’s pediatrician: _____________________________________

8. Arrange for child care. It can save time to do this before your baby is born. If you plan to use a child-care facility, be sure to visit several before you make a choice.

My plan for child care:

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

9. Learn about family planning. You can become pregnant again even if you are breastfeeding. Ask your health-care provider about birth-control options.

10. Discuss your pregnancy with any other children you have. Children need to understand how a new baby will fit into their daily routine. Ask your health-care provider for tips on preparing children. Some health-care facilities offer classes that can help. Ask about preparing pets, too.

11. Pack your bag a few weeks ahead of time. Include:

1. Hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste.
2. Clothes to wear from the hospital.
3. Nightgown to wear while you are in the hospital.
4. List of phone numbers of people you want to contact after the baby is born.
5. Clothes for the baby, diapers, blanket, hat, bottle, etc.

12. Arrange for child care if you have other children. Make sure you have a backup plan in case you can’t reach the first person you call.

Names and phone numbers:

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

13. Car seat for the baby. This is required by law. It should be installed in the rear seat only - never in a seat with a front air bag. Follow the seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions carefully.

Note: In emergencies, things may not always go as you planned. Certain procedures or medications may be necessary to ensure your safety and the safety of your baby.

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