Resources for New Parents

Getting to know your baby

Just as you must become accustomed to your new routine at home, so must your baby. After you’ve been home for a few days, you’ll begin to know your baby’s personality and how to keep him or her satisfied. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions after you get home. Use the phone number given to you by your nurse as you leave the hospital.

Keeping You and Your Baby Healthy

Once you’re at home, we suggest the following:

Limit your visitors so that you and your baby have time to rest.
Keep your baby away from crowds and people who are sick, since babies are especially vulnerable to colds and flu.
Let people help you with housekeeping, meal preparations, sibling care, etc.
Eat nourishing foods and drink a lot of fluids. Avoid climbing stairs for the first few days.
Tell your doctor if you experience any signs of depression.

New Parent Support Groups and Education

We offer several support groups for new parents, including:

Breastfeeding Support Group
Provides support, information and encouragement for an optimal breastfeeding experience. Call 786-596-2671 to schedule.
Baby’s First Year for New Moms
Offers support for new moms of children from birth to age 1. The group provides the perfect setting to share experiences and concerns with other parents. Babies are welcome. Call 786-662-8106 to schedule.

Pre-registration

When it’s time to have your baby, paperwork will be the last thing on your mind. Our hospitals have pre-admission packets that can be picked up, filled out, and returned, or you may read all information and fill out the form online.

Selecting a pediatrician

In the excitement of pregnancy, some parents forget a very important task: choosing a pediatrician for their baby. You can get referrals from friends and family, your health insurance plan or your obstetrician.

Know your health plan

Health insurance plans are not all alike, so it’s important that you understand what your health plan covers before you are ready to deliver. Most health insurance plans require a written request for change of coverage within 30 days of your child’s birth. If you don’t enroll your newborn according to your insurance company’s policy, you will likely have to wait until the next open enrollment period of your health plan to get coverage for your child. We urge you to contact your employer or health insurance company as soon as possible to ensure that your newborn is covered under your medical plan.

Cesarean delivery interview

If you are scheduled for a C-section, our preplanning department will call you several days before to coordinate all preoperative activities. These include making sure that you have signed all the necessary forms, directing you to required lab work and answering any questions you might have.

What to bring to the hospital

Several weeks before your due date, you’ll want to pack a small bag to take with you to the hospital. Please bring:

Nightgowns and underwear (front-button gowns and nursing bras for breast-feeding)
Robe and slippers
Toiletry items and cosmetics
Writing materials and important telephone numbers
Social Security numbers for you and the baby’s father/parent
Baby blankets
Going-home outfits for you and your baby

Please leave valuable jewelry and large amounts of money at home. We cannot assume responsibility for these items.

When it’s time to be admitted

Your doctor will discuss with you when you should come to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, you’ll be greeted by staff who will monitor your labor progress. The father/parent or support partner may stay with you during your evaluation. The father/parent or support partner may stay with you during your evaluation.