Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival

As your due date approaches, you may find that the excitement and anxiety you feel about bringing your baby home is growing. In order to reduce your anxiety, it helps to prepare yourself in advance of your delivery.

One of the first things you should do is to choose an obstetrician or midwife. If you haven’t already done so and need a referral, simply call 866-904-WBMC (866-904-9262) for a free referral to a practitioner whose qualifications match your needs.

You should also arrange a tour of West Boca Medical Center’s BirthCare Pavilion. This will help you to become familiar with the hospital and feel comfortable on your delivery day. During your tour, you will also be provided with a variety of information to help you know what to expect on your big day, as well as what to bring to the hospital with you for you and your new baby.

• Enrolling in one of WBMC’s childbirth education classes
• Creating a birth plan
• Preparing your older children for the arrival of their new sibling
• Purchasing any remaining baby supplies you need
• Familiarize yourself with the proper installation and use of the car safety seat
• Choosing a pediatrician

What to Bring to the Hospital

West Boca Medical Center BirthCare Pavilion is warm and inviting; bring these handy things with you and you’ll feel right at home:

• Two or more pillows
• Toiletries including shampoo/rinse, toothbrush, toothpaste
• Hair dryer
• Nightgowns (button down the front is helpful if breastfeeding), bathrobe and slippers
• Underwear for after delivery(postpartum)
• Sanitary napkins
• Loose-fitting clothing for going home
• Maternity or nursing bras (breastfeeding moms)
• Nursing pads (breastfeeding moms)
• Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
• Lip balm
• Lotion for massage
• Focal point (a picture, etc.)
• CD of your favorite music
• Baby book (for footprints—optional)

• Camera and/or video camera (Note that it is the policy of West Boca Medical Center that a C-section may not be recorded or filmed in the operating room.)
• Change of clothing
• Pajamas (if planning on staying overnight), bathrobe and slippers
• Toiletries
• Reading or writing materials
• Change for the vending machines
• Important phone numbers

• Car seat for the baby’s ride home (required by law)
• If using cloth diapers, two for going home plus two diaper pins or Velcro diaper covers (hospital uses only disposable diapers)
• Undershirt
• Receiving blanket
• Outer blanket or snuggles with legs
• Hat and booties