Preparing for Childbirth and Parenting

At Memorial Family Birthplace, we know that you’re thrilled to welcome your baby to your family – and excited to prepare! Our team has put together a list of helpful tips and to-do’s to help you get started packing and planning. As always, our team is here for you every step of the way.

Getting Ready for Baby’s Arrival: Tips for our Moms-to-Be


Familiarize Yourself with Your Maternity Hospital

Attend a virtual Maternity Orientation Tour. Topics we will cover in the orientation class include:

  • How to pre-register for birth
  • Where to enter when you’re in labor
  • Places to park
  • Things to pack

Attend a Virtual Prenatal Class

pregnant mom viewing mobile phone

Join our online online Birth Webinar and Perinatal Education classes to help you prepare and feel more confident for your labor and delivery – and life at home with baby. We also offer many webinar classes on baby proofing, infant CPR and more. Our comprehensive virtual maternity classes is always growing, so check back frequently for new options as your pregnancy progresses.

Choose a Pediatrician for Your Baby

Interview and choose a pediatrician for your little one before their birth.

Create a Birth Plan

Discuss your birth wishes with your doctor or midwife during one of your prenatal appointments. Create a Birth Plan – or Birth Wish List – to share with your labor and delivery team upon your arrival at the Family Birthplace.

Keep Your Baby Safe While They Sleep

newborn sleeping

Have a safe place prepared for your baby to sleep at home. The entire Memorial Family Birthplace team is committed to sleep safety, so if you need help finding a safety-approved crib or pack-n-play, please reach out to one of our team members. We also offer an Infant Sleep Safety class to help our parents-to-be prepare a safe sleep spot location for their little one.

Prepare Your Hospital Bag

Have your suitcase packed, childcare arranged for any older children and a car/ride available to the hospital. We recommend securing a backup option in addition to your regular plan, just in case you need it.

Attend a Virtual Parenting Classes

Join our Transition to Parenting webinar with your partner. At Memorial Family Birthplace, we are committed to providing support in all aspects of labor, delivery and postpartum care – and that includes both mental health and social support. Our transition to parenting class is hosted by a mental health guest expert and is packed full of benefits for both parents.

What to Pack: Labor and Delivery

pregnant woman preparing birth bag

  • Aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils
  • Birth book for souvenir footprints
  • Birth plan/wish list
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Camera (please note we do not allow video recordings of baby’s birth)
  • Focal point
  • Massage tools
  • Necessary health records, photo ID and insurance card
  • Relaxation music/favorite playlist or podcast

What to Pack: Baby

  • Car seat (installed)
  • Clothes (washed with no fabric softener)
  • Onesies
  • Sleepers
  • Socks
  • Wearable blanket
  • No mittens
  • Hat
  • Name and phone number of your baby’s pediatrician. If you need a pediatrician, please call 866-532-4362 or visit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital physician referral.
  • Check with your insurance company to make sure your baby’s pediatrician is covered in your network.

What to Pack: Mom and Partner

  • Camera and camera charger
  • Comfortable lounge-type clothes for recovery
  • Going home outfit
  • Nursing bra
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Robe
  • Slippers/flip-flops
  • Toiletries
  • Undergarments
  • Clothes for partner

Car Seat Safety: What You Need to Know

baby in car seatNothing is more important than your child’s safety – and that includes keeping your child safe in their car seat. Did you know that three out of four children aren’t as secure in the car as they should be?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), correct installation of your child’s car seat is critically important to their safety.

Safe Kids Broward County offers free car seat checks by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians to ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. Our program also helps educate your family on proper car seat care, recall updates and other important safety information.

Please call our Car Seat Help Line at 954-276-1236 or email at lbravo@mhs.net for questions or more information.

Car Seat Safety: Tips for Registering Your Child’s Car Seat

The Memorial Healthcare System team also encourages parents to register their new or used car seats to ensure up-to-date information on recalls and repairs.

Our team recommends the following helpful car seat safety tips:

  • You can register your child’s car seat online at safercar.gov/parents and click "Car Seats & Booster Seats."
  • We also recommend taking a photo of your child’s car seat label and save it on your phone for future reference.
  • If you bought your child’s car seat new, fill out the registration card that comes with the car seat. It will already have the seat’s information included; you will only need to fill out your contact information and mail the card.
  • If you suspect your child’s car seat has undergone a recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and click "Car Seats." You will need the name of the car seat manufacturer, model number and date of manufacture. This website is also helpful if you are looking at buying a used car seat – make sure to check the data thoroughly before purchasing a car seat second-hand.
  • Use the Safe Kids Worldwide® Car Seat Checkup Checklist to make sure you are meeting your child’s car safety needs as they grow.