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Getting ready for the big arrival? Tips to prepare for your baby

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Man assembling crib

Congratulations!

You’ve safely carried your baby for about 40 weeks. But that’s only half the challenge.

What now?

Got questions about labor & delivery? Has your doctor mentioned the possibility of induction or Cesarean section? Do you have a car seat and a crib?

All of these questions and concerns are normal when you're about to give birth. So here's some help . . . 

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County offers free workshops on breastfeeding, childbirth, infant CPR and child safety, nutrition and healthy cooking, and prenatal yoga. Or check with your hospital to see if it offers free classes.
 
Palm Beach County birthing hospitals

Want to tour the hospital before you deliver? First, find out where your doctor delivers and what your insurance covers. Then check out the following links to information about delivery registration and hospital tours at local hospitals.

Important to note!

After your baby is born, your hospital will not allow you to take your baby home without a car seat — even if you don't have a car.

Plan to get your child’s car seat at least 6 weeks before your due date.  Most of the programs that help with car seats require an appointment, so don’t delay.

Safe Kids Palm Beach County offers car seat checks by certified child passenger safety experts who can help you install your car seat and determine the safest way for you to travel with your child.  If you need a car seat, you can purchase a new one for as little as $25.  Safe Kids provides convertible seats for infancy up to toddler age, but it does not offer infant carriers. 

Do you need a crib?

For their safety, babies should sleep alone in a crib, bassinet or portable crib with a tight fitted sheet and no extra blankets or pillows. For more information about safe sleep for babies, click here.

If you need help getting a crib, contact HomeSafe, a local organization funded by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County that helps provide cribs and other services to families with young children.

 
SOURCES:

• March of Dimes
• Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County
• Safe Kids Palm Beach County

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Related resources

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    Palm Beach County Medical Society

    Find a Doctor — search by specialty or doctor's name to locate a local doctor (Note: This is not a complete list)

    561-433-3940 Website
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    Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County

    A safety net of local services and support for pregnant women and families with infants, focusing on racial disparities in birth outcomes

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