Preparing for Labor and Delivery

The big day is coming, and it’s natural to feel both excited and nervous. Use this checklist to prepare for labor and delivery at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital so you feel confident and ready.

Take Childbirth and Baby Care Education Classes

Sign up for our Childbirth Education Series and Baby Care Basics classes held at Henry Mayo Center.

Childbirth Education Series (4 weeks)

This comprehensive four-week course for you and your support person covers pregnancy, stages of labor, pain management, relaxation techniques, Cesarean birth, the postpartum period, newborn care, maternal mental health and breastfeeding. Classes are held Tuesdays from 6 to 9 PM. Register here.

Childbirth Education Series (1 day)

This 8-hour class covers the same information as the four-week class on a Saturday. Register here.

Baby Care Basics

Taught by a pediatrician, this two-hour class will help new parents feel more comfortable caring for their newborn. Topics include newborn care, sleep patterns, vaccinations and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Register here.

Successful Breastfeeding (online Zoom recording)

Our Lactation Specialist will cover the art of successful breastfeeding, including how hormones relate to milk production, proper positioning and latch-on techniques, common breastfeeding problems, pumping and more. Register here.

Create a Birth Plan

A birth plan helps your care team understand your preferences for labor, delivery and postpartum care. It should cover:

• People in the room (partner, family members, doula)
• Pain management preferences, including medicated or nonmedicated options
• Room atmosphere, such as lighting and music
• Labor support, such as birthing balls and warm showers
• After-delivery preferences, such as delayed cord clamping, cord cutting, circumcision and feeding plans

For more information on creating a birth plan click here.

Pre-Admit at Henry Mayo

Complete the hospital’s pre-admission form by 36 weeks. Click here to complete it.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Have a hospital bag ready to go at weeks 34–36 and include:

• ID, insurance cards and any paperwork
• Robe or gown, slippers, nursing bra and loose, comfortable clothing
• Toiletries
• Phone charging cables
• Baby going-home outfit and receiving blanket

Transportation and Logistics

• Install a rear-facing infant car seat by 36 weeks and consider a free inspection by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), local fire or police station
• Plan your route to the hospital, including alternate routes for peak traffic and who will drive you at different times of day
• Make plans for pet or childcare during your hospital stay

Prior to Delivery

To help ensure physical and emotional readiness:

• Get plenty of sleep and prepare freezer-friendly meals or stock up on easy store-bought options for the early postpartum weeks
• Prepare your body for labor with activities such as prenatal yoga, walking, pelvic floor exercises and perineal massage, which may help reduce the risk of tearing during vaginal delivery
• Choose a pediatrician for your baby’s first well check after discharge

Labor Signs and When to Call

Early labor signs include mild contractions that feel like strong menstrual cramps or intermittent lower back ache; a thick, tinged mucus discharge; loose stools or upset stomach.

Contact your doctor as your contractions become stronger using the 5-1-1 rule (contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour). Other reasons to call: your water breaks, heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, decreased fetal movement or severe headache/vision changes.

With a few key plans in place, you can approach labor and delivery feeling more prepared, supported and confident. Our labor and delivery care team looks forward to making this a memorable day for you and your family.