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« Women and Infants Center

Having a Baby

At HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, you’ll receive expert, individualized and comforting care so you can focus on what matters most, enjoying the first precious moments of a lifetime.

Female nurse standing over pregnant female sitting down

We’re here to help answer your questions as you plan to welcome a new life into the world. Our kind and knowledgeable nurses help you during your hospital stay and our FAQ and check lists help guide you through the hospital pre-registration process and prepare for your hospital stay.

Preparing for Baby Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Before coming to the hospital to deliver, you should choose a doctor for you baby. Once you have found a doctor, call your insurance company to make sure he/she is covered by your insurance plan. Then, call his or her office to find out if they are taking new patients. Let them know when you are due and that you would like your infant to become established as a new patient with that physician. You can begin doing this around week 28 of your pregnancy.
  • Yes. If you have private health insurance, call your insurance company first to notify them of your upcoming birth.
  • To pre-register for your hospital stay call 920-433-8703.
  • Click here to register for our online childbirth classes.
  • Click here for a schedule of virtual newborn care classes with Prevea Pediatrics.
These classes cover much more information than Lamaze relaxation and breathing. You will learn about the process of labor, what to expect when you go into labor, when to go to the hospital, how your partner can help you through the birth, the risks and benefits of health care decisions you make during labor, what to expect once that baby is born regarding hospital procedures, receive a tour of the birthing center which will help alleviate some of your anxiety about the hospital. You are also able to ask many questions that you may not even think about when you are at the doctor’s office during prenatal visits.
Pre-Hospital Checklist  
  • Make childcare arrangements for any children left at home when you come to the hospital. 
  • Make arrangements for pet care, if needed. 
  • If you are returning to work, find/hire a licensed day care provider for your baby. 
  • Try a practice driving route to St. Vincent Hospital, if needed.
  • Call your insurance company. Find out if you need any type of pre-certification and find out how long you can stay. Make sure to write down who you spoke with, the date, and what information they gave you.
  • Have the following items ready at home: clothing, blankets, diapers and other essential baby items. It is always best to pre-wash any clothes/blankets before dressing your baby in them. 
  • If you are planning to formula or bottle feed your baby, make sure you have a supply of formula, bottles and nipples on hand for when you arrive back home. The hospital only provides formula for your baby during your hospital stay. 
  • Get and install a car seat for your baby. 
  • After you have installed the car seat in your vehicle, make an appointment at a local fitting station (staffed by certified technicians) to double check that your seat is correctly installed. We strongly encourage you to have this done by your eighth month of pregnancy and definitely prior to your admission. Contact the Brown County Health Department or Center for Childhood Safety for options near you.
  • A month before your baby is due, pack your bag for the hospital.
Depending on the class, you can begin registering as early as your 4th or 5th month of pregnancy. Click here for information about childbirth classes or to register.

Packing for the Hospital

During your stay with us the hospital will provide
  • Blow dryer.
  • Hospital gowns.
  • Disposable panties and sanitary pads.
  • Baby gowns and blankets (will need your own for home).
  • Enough disposable diapers for your hospital stay (have a supply ready at home).
  • If formula feeding: Ready to use bottles of formula (you will need your own supply for home).
What to Pack for Mom
Necessary:
  • Insurance card and hospital paperwork.
  • Eyeglasses, if needed.

If desired:
  • Cell phone, charger.
  • Book, magazines or cards for early labor.
  • Bathrobe.
  • Socks and slippers.
  • Hair bands, ties or barrettes.
  • Lip moisturizer.
  • Massage lotion.
  • Tennis ball or massage /comfort tools.
  • Sentimental item from home, such as a favorite pillow or blanket.
  • Focal point, such as an ultrasound or vacation photo.
  • Music.
  • Birth plan.
  • Nursing bra.
  • Loose, comfortable clothes.
  • Basic toiletries and a hair brush.
What to Pack for Baby
  • Infant car seat (install car seat base early).
  • Going-home outfit.
  • Receiving blanket.
  • Pair of socks or booties.
  • Extra cap/hat.
  • Baby book for footprints.
What to Pack for Your Partner/Support Person
  • Camera, cell phone, chargers.
  • Cash for parking.
  • Basic toiletries.
  • Change of clothes.

About Having a Baby

Your nurses have gone through advanced training and are very experienced and will teach you how to care for your baby, as we recognize this is an important part of your hospital stay.
  • Your nurse can help with limiting daytime interruptions and phone calls if you’d like, so that you can rest during the day when your baby sleeps. 
  • You are also welcome to invite family or a support person to stay with you while you are in the hospital, as you may find them helpful. 
  • To help you and your baby to bond, it is encouraged you stay together 24 hours a day. This is called “rooming in” and it has been proven to better prepare you to care for your newborn when you return home. When baby stays in your room, you will have the opportunity to learn more about him or her and recognize things like feeding cues while hospital staff is around to guide you through those first few nights. Studies show that mothers get the same amount and quality of sleep when their babies room in as when they are out of the room.
  • In partnership with Prevea Health, virtual newborn care classes are available to help you prepare and care for your little one. Click here for a schedule of upcoming classes.
We offer a wide range of pain management and comfort measures to help you through labor and delivery. From epidurals to nitrous oxide and medication-free options, we’re devoted to making your birthing experience as comfortable as possible. 
 

Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, often used at the dentist and referred to as laughing gas, is a safe and proven method for anxiety and pain management during labor and childbirth. There are no side effects from for baby, and the side effects for mom are minimal. By inhaling the gas through a mask, nitrous oxide is a temporary method of relief because it is cleared from the body when mom stops inhaling the gas and removes the mask.


Nitrous oxide can be:

  • Used before having an epidural (and it is also safe to have an epidural later).
  • An alternative option to epidural and pain medication if someone is leaning toward a more natural childbirth experience.
  • Used before trying pain medication, such as Nalbuphine (Nubain®).
  • Stopped if mom decides she would like to switch to pain medication, such as Nalbuphine (Nubain®).
After baby is born, your care provider will place him or her belly-down directly on your chest. This is called skin-to-skin contact. Your nurse will be there with a warm blanket to cover you and your baby. Quiet time is encouraged during this first hour as this is the time for mom or dad to hold the baby skin-to-skin providing benefits such as:
  • Positive impact on bonding
  • Reduced perception of pain
  • Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
  • Triggers feeding reflexes and increases breastfeeding success
  • Smooth transition for baby to life outside the womb
  • Increased calmness and reduced crying