Planning for birth

Labor and delivery are different for every woman but one thing is the same – the more you can do to get ready for the big day will help you feel more relaxed, confident and in control.

Ways to help you feel more prepared:

• Take a childbirth preparation class.  Our prenatal classes will guide you and your partner throughout your pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery.
• Fill out a birth preference plan to let us know the choices you’ve made for your labor and delivery.
• Exercise your birth muscles. Practice exercises and stretches throughout your pregnancy to help you feel more prepared for your birth.
• Learn rhythmic breathing (or “Lamaze” breathing) to take your focus away from pain during contractions. Learn how to use slow, deep breathes to help you feel more relaxed.

Use guided imagery to help you relax, manage stress, and ease pain during contractions. Download or listen online to our podcast with guided imagery for childbirth.

Pack a bag for you and your baby

Have everything ready to go when you’re 8 months pregnant.

Your bag:

• Kaiser Permanente ID card
• Your birth plan
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, brush, hair clip or band, lotion, cosmetics)
• Nightgown, robe, non-skid slippers and socks (if you prefer to wear your own)
• Something to help you relax – family photo, favorite pillow, relaxing music (tune into our childbirth podcasts)
• Flip-flops for the shower
• Hand fan or spray mist bottle
• Maternity underpants (and your favorite brand of sanitary pad if desired)
• Regular bra or nursing bra if you plan to breast-feed your baby
• Nursing supplies (breast pads, lanolin cream, nursing pillow)
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear home (you’ll still have a bit of a belly)
• Comfy shoes
• Camera
• Cell phone (and charger) and numbers for friends and relatives you plan to call
• Eyeglasses and contact lens supplies
• Extra bag to carry home gifts and goodies from friends and family
• Leave valuables (jewelry, money) and electrical appliances (curling iron, hair dryer) at home

Your baby’s bag:

• Approved car seat (the law requires you to have a safety seat when you leave the hospital)
• A going-home outfit
• Receiving blankets for the ride home (babies are extra sensitive to cold)
• Mittens (many babies have long fingernails and can scratch their faces)

Have your partner pack a bag too:

• Camera or video recorder
• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Change of clothes
• Money or a credit card for vending machines
• A bathing suit – yes, a bathing suit to join you and rub your back you if you take a bath or shower during labor