Preparing for Baby
In the nine months as you get ready to welcome your little one, your life fills with anticipation, excitement and many new experiences. Trust your maternity care to the experts at Pella Regional Health Center, so you can relax and be well prepared for this special event.
Talk with Your Doctor at Prenatal Checkups
During your prenatal appointments, you'll want to discuss a variety of issues, such as nutrition and physical activity, what to expect during the birth process and proper newborn care.
Nutrition
During your pregnancy and after delivery, good nutrition can help you stay healthy and give your baby a great start in life. Eat a healthful diet that includes a wide range of nutritious foods from different food groups, such as whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Avoid potentially harmful substances, fast foods with high amounts of fats, and foods with chemical additives. Stop using alcohol and tobacco products. Alcohol can cause birth defects, and cigarettes have been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and other problems.
As an expectant mom, you can naturally anticipate gaining an average of about half a pound per week during the first half of your pregnancy and one pound per week during the second half. In your second and third trimesters, you'll need to increase your daily calorie intake by about 300 calories per day. That's equivalent to just one cup of low-fat yogurt or one cup of whole-grain cereal and one cup of low-fat milk. Ask your doctor for more information about nutrition during your pregnancy.
Outpatient Testing
As a mom-to-be, you're focused on having a healthy baby. To help ensure a positive outcome, your doctor may add outpatient testing to your care, especially if you have certain factors that might put you or your baby at risk. Outpatient evaluations at Pella Regional include:
- Nonstress test
- Contraction stress test
- Biophysical profile
With your doctor's order, an experienced obstetrics nurse or a medical imaging staff member conducts your tests at Pella Regional.
Tour Our Family Birthing Center
Feel more comfortable when you deliver your baby by taking an in-person tour of the Family Birthing Center at Pella Regional Health Center. You’ll see our labor and delivery suites, nursery, and mother/baby care areas. You’ll also meet some of the staff who will take care of you and your newborn during your stay.
Arrange your prenatal tour by calling 641-628-6613. If you attend one of our prenatal classes, you’ll automatically get a tour.
What to Pack for Your Stay
Give yourself one less thing to worry about by packing for your stay at Pella Regional well ahead of your expected delivery date. Use our printable maternity packing checklist (PDF) so you are prepared for what you need.
Prenatal Education
Take advantage of a variety of prenatal classes at Pella Regional to learn what you need to know to feel better prepared for the arrival of your new little one.
Birth and Beyond (classroom & online options)
As expectant parents, you’ll learn to understand and recognize the signs and stages of labor, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques to prepare you for labor and delivery. You’ll also discover the options for potential medical interventions, medications and more.
Register for a Prenatal Class
Sibling Class
Help your baby’s siblings-to-be welcome the newest member of the family with what they’ll learn in this helpful class. Children at least two-and-a-half years old are eligible to attend with their parents. Participants visit the Family Birthing Center, watch a video on sibling rivalry and practice holding a baby. Brothers-to-be and sisters-to-be will get their pictures taken for placement in the baby’s bassinet after birth.
Register for a Sibling Class
Breastfeeding Class
Our certified lactation consultant facilitates this class to provide you, as a new mom, with information about successfully breastfeeding your infant. You’ll learn basic breastfeeding positions, latch-on techniques, signs your baby is getting enough milk, ways dads-to-be can support new breastfeeding moms and more.
Register for a Breastfeeding Class
Baby Finance 101
New parents have increased financial responsibility in addition to caring for their newborn. Learn the basics of creating financial security for your expanding family through budgeting, college funding options, life and disability insurance, group benefits and retirement planning tools.
Register for a Baby Finance 101 class