1. You need to choose a pediatrician before your baby is born. You should call and make an appointment by your 32nd week of pregnancy. When you are admitted, inform your Labor & Delivery nurse who your pediatrician is.
2. If this is your first baby, it is recommended that you attend prenatal classes. These classes will help prepare you for the life-altering events ahead of you. For more information contact Valerie at (830) 672-7581 ext. 1985.
3. You will need a car seat to take your baby home in. Make sure that your car seat fits correctly in your car and that you know how to adjust it. Bring the car seat up to your room the night before you go home and make any necessary adjustments.
4. When you decide that you need to come to the hospital or your physician tells you to come, you will need to come to the admissions department or after hours, the emergency room. If you need assistance, you may stop by the Emergency Department and someone will assist you to Maternity Unit.
5. Visiting hours in the hospital are from 11a.m. – until 9:00 p.m. Please advise friends and family that all entrances to the hospital are closed from 7:00 p.m. until 6 a.m. except for the Emergency Department entrance.
6. No visitors under the age of 12 are allowed on the Maternity unit at any time, unless they are siblings of the new baby.
7. The number of visitors in the birthing room is not limited. However, the nursing staff must be able to safely maneuver in the birthing room in order to provide the best care to you and your baby.
8. When you come to the hospital, you can pack two bags – one for labor and
   one for afterward. During labor, you will need snacks for your coaches, music to relax to, a list of phone numbers to call. Also needed are a robe and slippers, a pillow, your camera (be sure someone other than the new father is in charge of taking pictures and that they are familiar with your camera). You are not allowed to set up tripods in the birthing room. Ask your physician prior to filming the birth.
9. If you think you are going into labor, do not eat a heavy, fried or spicy meal, as this may cause nausea later.
10. You do not need to bring any paper items to care for yourself or your baby. However, you will need to provide an outfit for your baby to wear home as well as a blanket suitable to the weather.

Contact Information
Contact: Lauren Burns
Number: 830-672-7581 ext. 1985
Email: lburns@gonzaleshealthcare.com