Preparing for Delivery

Preparing for your delivery at Munson Healthcare

Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family and thank you for choosing Munson Healthcare to welcome your new baby (or babies) into the world. 

Your Support Team

Adult hands cradling baby's feet

Our current visitation policy allows for one primary support person (your partner or a loved one, for example) for the duration of your stay and one certified doula to be present during labor, delivery, and recovery (your doula must leave following the recovery period). You may also have a second support person per day who may be present during labor, delivery and immediate recovery but otherwise limit their stay to visiting hours. All visitors must be 18 or older.

For the safety of our patients and staff, we strongly suggest your support persons be the same for the entirety of your stay and they must pass a COVID-19 screening, presenting no symptoms or signs of illness.

We also ask that your support persons stay within your hospital room as much as possible once you are admitted. Although our cafeteria is open to visitors at this time, we recommend asking your support person(s) to pack some favorite snacks for his/her stay.

PLEASE NOTE that our visitation policy is subject to change due to community positivity rate and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Please see our visitation policy for the very latest updates.

What to bring with you

For Yourself

As your big day approaches, you'll want to gather everything you’ll need for your hospital stay. Here are a few things we recommend:

  • List of current medications
  • Personal items, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses (case and solution), phone, camera, laptop and chargers
  • Breastfeeding bra and nursing pads – this will ensure you have good support and leak protection
  • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes for going home
  • Maternity or loose-fitting underwear
  • Photo ID and insurance cards
  • Warm, non-skid socks for walking before and after labor
  • Toiletries and personal items, such as hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, body wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and lip balm
  • Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips, as they may not be comfortable)
  • Extra pillows
  • iPad, tablet, MP3 player, etc. (loaded with your favorite music)
  • Bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your support person

For your baby

  • Weather-appropriate outfit for the trip home and receiving blanket

  • Baby book – we will be glad to take your infant’s footprints for your book
  • CAR SEAT:  You are responsible for providing a car seat appropriate for your newborn. It is recommended you contact a certified car seat technician for free assistance in the use and installation of your car seat during your last trimester. Your infant will not be discharged from the hospital unless a car seat has been installed. Contact Safekids.org or call 231-947-3000, ext 1234 to schedule an appointment.

Best to leave at home

  • Your medications, unless instructed by your health care provider to bring
  • Clothes you do not want ruined
  • Other valuables – We do not take responsibility for personal property; please do not bring large amounts of money, jewelry or other valuables

The birth of a child is among life’s most precious moments, and we are here to provide you with the very best experience and medical care. 

Hospital-specific instructions

Munson Medical Center

While we are not currently offering Maternity Prepared Stay Appointments, we are committed to answering all your questions and ensuring you are fully prepared in advance of your special day.

Once you have reached the 34th week of your pregnancy, it will be time to pre-register for your delivery by calling 231-935-6718. Please be sure to have your insurance and contact information handy.

Please call (231) 935-5500 with any questions and we will respond as quickly as possible.

More Information

For more information on Childbirth and Baby Care Classes, Breastfeeding Services, Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), immunizations and postpartum care through the Healthy Futures Program, please visit munsonhealthcare.org/maternity.