Preparing for Delivery

The big day is approaching and there is still a lot to be done! This article is to help you plan for your upcoming delivery.

Classes

This is a good time to sign up for childbirth preparation classes, or a refresher if this is not your first delivery.
We like the classes run by Fina Arnold, RN with A Heart for Family (www.aheartforfamily.com) or
call Fina at 626-644-3304.

Huntington Hospital also offers childbirth preparation classes. Call (626) 397-8768. They have online registration at www.huntingtonhospital.com.  If a C/S birth is planned, these classes can be modified (for example, newborn care and breast-feeding classes only).

Cord Blood

Have you decided if you are going to preserve your baby’s extra umbilical cord blood? The stem cells in the cord blood are frozen and can be used years later to treat various life-threatening conditions. Some companies also allow you to save the umbilical cord itself, a rich source of a different type of stem cell than what is found in the cord blood.

Glucose Testing

At 28 weeks (earlier for high-risk patients), you need the 1-hour glucose challenge test to check for possible diabetes of pregnancy. We also check for anemia at this time, and if you are Rh negative you will receive treatment for this as well.

Pediatrician

Your newborn needs to be under the care of a Pediatrician on staff at Huntington Hospital. Let us know if you need help selecting your Pediatrician.

Registration

You need to fill in and mail the Huntington Hospital Labor and Delivery Registration Form. This was included in the folder we gave you at the start of your prenatal care with us. If you have misplaced this form it is also on our web site and we have copies at the front desk. The Hospital will send you confirmation after you submit this form.

Tour

There is a Maternity Orientation and Tour of the Huntington Hospital Labor and Delivery Department. It is offered monthly at 2 p.m. on the first Sunday or 7 p.m. on the third Monday (excluding holidays). See the OB Booklet for more information.

Birth Plans

Do you plan on having an epidural, going natural or just waiting to see what labor is like? Please see our OB Guidebook for a discussion of Birth Plans (we prefer the term “Birth Preferences”).