Prepare for Your Baby
What Patients Are Saying
"I strongly encourage my friends and family members to go to Mercy for their birth and delivery experience. I can't say enough good things about how well I felt taken care of at Mercy!"
One baby. A thousand questions. A million things to do.
As you prepare for the birth of your baby (or babies!), you'll be making many decisions. The birth of your child should be the most rewarding, heartwarming event possible.
Below are tips and reminders for each trimester, as well as what to expect during delivery and at your home visit.
First Trimester
- Choose a doctor for your baby and where to deliver.
- Ask for the Mercy packet during your first visit to your doctor, usually around 12 weeks. This free information about the Birthplace will help you navigate pregnancy.
- Tour Mercy's Birthplace. Meet Angela, your personal guide to the Birthplace. She'll show you the large birth suites where you'll labor, deliver and stay throughout your experience. She'll also introduce you to nurses and other Birthplace & NICU staff, who will make an extra effort to make you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have during your tour.
- Make sure you're eating well for you and your baby. If you have questions, call the dietitians located in the Mercy Women's Center at (319) 221-8610.
Second Trimester
- Stay on schedule with your prenatal check-ups.
- Get sufficient exercise.
- Shop for comfortable maternity clothes and shoes, plus baby furnishings and clothing.
- Childproof your home. Lock up poisonous chemicals where children can't get to them. Cover electrical outlets.
Third Trimester
- Take Birthplace classes: Classes are offered for parents, so be sure to check them out and get an early start on planning.
- Attend a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class and learn to prepare for this experience. The class is taught by the same lactation consultants that will be available to you during your stay at the Birthplace.
- Attend Heartsaver Baby Class: For moms, dads and caregivers. Learn infant CPR and rescue breathing. A good thing to do before your baby arrives and controls your schedule!
- Pre-Register Online: This step will ensure that you can bypass this routine procedure during labor and delivery. Upon arrival at the Birthplace for the main event, Mom's name will be all we need.
- Review personal insurance coverage and requirements: There are almost as many different insurance plans as there are patients. As such, it's important for you to understand what is covered by your insurance plan. Check with your company to determine length of stay following delivery, notification of new insured (YOUR BABY!) and notification of any special circumstances (Cesarean birth or special care in the NICU).
- Purchase an infant safety seat: By state law, all infants must be restrained in an approved infant safety seat while in a vehicle.
- Prepare baby's siblings: If this is not your first child, your other children are surely excited. This is the time to discuss room arrangements and where siblings will wait for news of their new brother or sister. Find out what their older children are feeling and what questions they have.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy and cost-effective option for feeding your baby. Studies have shown a variety of health benefits for both mother and baby, in addition to the special bonding time you can enjoy when nursing your baby. Learn more about breastfeeding.
Safe Sleep
Because safe sleep greatly reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep accidents, the Birthplace is part of the HALO® Safer Way to Sleep Initiative, a national program to be a model of safe sleep practices for patients.
Safe sleep is as easy as A-B-C. Make sure everyone caring for your baby follows these safe sleep practices.
