If you are giving birth naturally in a hospital, here are a few tips of things you will want to prepare for the hospital before your arrival.  It helps take away some of the anxious and worried feelings that will start once the flood gates of labor pour in.

How To Prepare For The Hospital

• Pre-register with your hospital.  Ask your doctor or midwife about this sometimes in your third trimester.  It’s usually very easy as simply filling out a form in their office or online, or making a quick phone call.  This is a HUGE help because when you arrive at the hospital you can come into a triage or labor room very quickly and your not stuck filling out forms.

• Map your route to the hospital.  It may sound silly. You already know how to get there I’m sure.  But what if it’s the middle of rush hour?  Taking the freeway might be the longer way than just cutting through town.

• Have your backup babysitter if needed.  Is this your first baby? Then you can skip this one.  Unless you have a pet or animals that need caring for while you are away for a few days, make sure they’re going to be looked after.  We had a dog with our first delivery that we weren’t worried about because he was super independent.  My husband just came home for a few hours a day to walk and feed him.  But with my second delivery, I had my mother lined up to come watch our first son while we were away.

• Pack your bag.  Keep this in your car so you don’t forget to grab it on your way out.  I would make sure to do this at least a month before your due date because you never know when that little one will come. You can bring whatever you want, but you’ll learn really fast what you aren’t going to use.  You can read more about what to bring here.

• Have your baby’s carseat ready.  You can install in beforehand or bring it when you’re ready to head home. The hospital usually has staff that is willing to help you install your carseat and make sure it’s done properly.  I have a friend with a GREAT website called Daddy Is It Safe about all things safety for your baby and children.  You can learn more here about how to properly take care of your child’s car seat.  Having a car seat canopy cover will really help your baby when their on-the-go too.  

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Follow these few things and your worry about them won’t even surface the moment you realize its time to go.  Did you forget something before reaching the hospital?