How to Prepare for Having a Baby

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“Where do I go when it’s time to have the baby?”

This is a common question from first-time parents, and it’s an important one. The best way for parents to be comfortable with knowing where to go is to take a tour of places they are considering for the delivery of their baby.

Hospital tour options

Mercy Women & Infants’ Center offers expecting parents two options for tours – in-person group tours and an online virtual tour. Both tours show parents the accommodations in Mercy’s OB Emergency Department/Antepartum Unit, Labor & Delivery Unit, and Mother/Baby Unit. If you tour in-person, you’ll have the opportunity to see the private birthing and recovery suites, and the many amenities available for parents. The in-person tours also show parents where to enter the hospital when it’s time to deliver.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is not part of the public tour, but parents are welcome to contact the unit at (515) 358-4000 if they have any questions.

When should we tour?

First-time parents or new-to-Mercy parents often ask when they can take a tour. Mercy welcomes expecting families to tour at any time during pregnancy, but recommends making sure you’ve had a chance to visit the units and ask questions by the start of your ninth month in case you deliver early.

What you need to know

Because every hospital is different, here are seven questions you should ask when taking a tour:

  1. Where do we park?
  2. Where do we check in?
  3. What paperwork do we need to bring with us?
  4. What accommodations are available for the birthing partner?
  5. Do I labor and recover in the same room or will my baby and I be moved?
  6. Do you have a NICU?
  7. Where do I go if I have a pregnancy-related emergency before I’m due?

Getting answers to these questions will help you prepare and feel more comfortable with the location you have chosen.

How to schedule a hospital tour

Visit mercy.dm/birthingtours to sign up for an in-person tour at Mercy’s central campus in downtown Des Moines and/or view the virtual tour.

Stork Affair

Another great way to tour Mercy is by visiting Stork Affair on Saturday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You can tour the OB Emergency Department, Labor & Delivery Unit, Mother/Baby Unit, and get information about the NICU.

There will also be several education sessions, vendors with the latest in products for mom and baby, and a car seat inspection/installation station.

You can also register to win the Buy Buy Baby Dream Nursery, valued at $1,600. The set includes a crib, dresser, changing table and chair. Admission is free.

Register today at mercydesmoines.org/storkaffair.

Connect with Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines 

Website: mercydesmoines.org

Twitter: @MercyDesMoines

Facebook: @mercydesmoines

Instagram: @mercydesmoines 

Pinterest: @MercyDesMoines 


The post is part of a series of sponsored post by Mercy Clinics. 

Is My Baby’s Poop Normal? 

Tips for Potty Training Toddlers

This post is sponsored by Mercy Clinics

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