Maternity Checklist for Delivery Day
As the big day approaches, you have a lot of factors to consider. Use the information below to ensure you keep you and your baby safe, reduce stress and have the best birthing experience possible.
Preparing for Your Stay
We recommend packing two bags: one for labor and delivery, and one for use after your baby is born. Please leave valuable items including cash and jewelry at home.
In your “labor and delivery” bag, include the following:
- Your health insurance card
- Two bed pillows
- Robe, slippers and socks
- Relaxation music
- Lip balm
- Snacks for your support person
- Camera
- Books, magazines or other items to help you pass the time
- Focal point picture of object
Your “after baby is born” bag should include:
- Two to three nightgowns
- Going home clothes for you, including comfortable underwear, and for baby
- Toiletries for you and your support person
- Nursing bras
- Baby book
Car Seat Safety
Have the car seat base installed in your car prior to admission. We offer a Car Seat Class and a free installation of the car seat. Register for an upcoming class. Read all materials that came with the car seat and make sure you know how to adjust the seat to fit your baby. Bring the car seat to your room (leave the base installed in the car), and adjust it to fit the baby prior to day of discharge.
Pacifier Use
At Summa Health, we want your baby to be safe, healthy and well fed. The use of pacifiers within the first few weeks of birth may interfere with cue-based feeding and could lead to decreased milk supply. Pacifier use also may interfere with your baby’s ability to latch. We will only give your baby a pacifier for medical purposes, and with your permission. Once breastfeeding is well established, you can decide if a pacifier is right for you and your baby.
Infant Photography
Bring an outfit if you want to dress your new baby for the optional photo session.
Picking Your Baby’s Provider
It’s important to choose a provider for your newborn prior to your little one’s arrival. It's a good idea to start looking for a pediatric provider about three months before your baby is due. Ask for recommendations from relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers and healthcare providers you know. Then, check your insurance company's website to see if the providers are in your plan.
Your child’s provider can:
- Provide preventive and well-child care for your child from birth through their teen years.
- Offer care for sickness, injuries and chronic conditions.
- Monitor your child’s ongoing physical and behavioral health and development.
- Become a trusted advisor in their health.
- Coordinate any additional medical care your child may need.
We recommend scheduling your newborn to be seen for their first wellness visit 2-3 days after birth.
Find a Summa Health family medicine provider near you
Find an Akron Children's pediatric provider near you
Breastfeeding Information
If you’re planning to breastfeed, there are some things you can do in your last month of pregnancy that may make the process easier.
- Get your breast pump
- Talk to your provider regarding any breastfeeding concerns you have
- Register for a breastfeeding class
Establishing Parents on the Birth Certificate
Registering your child’s birth is a legal requirement. We recommend completing the birth certificate the first day you are in the hospital. There are many nuances related to the information on your child’s birth certificate, oftentimes dictated by state law.