Patient & Visitor Information
Having a baby is an exciting time. But in that excitement, we can often forget things or get confused about processes and procedures. To help you and your family better prepare for your birth experience, we’ve compiled some useful information to ease your stay.
What to Bring to the Hospital
Bring the following information to the hospital on the day of your admission and for pre-admission testing. This will help the admission process go smoothly.
- Complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking
- Reports or forms your doctor may have given you to bring to the hospital
- Medical insurance information, including insurance cards, pre-certification, and other documentation required by your insurer
- Personal identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or other appropriate identification
- List of telephone numbers of immediate family members to call, if necessary
Your Maternity Bag
We recommend you pack a bag in advance of your due date with necessities and going-home clothes for you and your baby. Some helpful things to include are:
For mom:
- Personal care items such as deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and mouthwash, lotion, soap, and hairbrush. We will provide sanitary napkins and stretch underpants after birth.
- Nightgowns or pajamas, a robe, slippers, bras and underwear, and nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed.
- Please do not bring large amounts of cash, credit cards, or jewelry.
For baby's trip home:
- an undershirt or an outfit
- receiving blankets
- car seat
Visitors
We understand that you value the support of your loved ones when you are in the hospital. Please review our current visitor policy.
During Your Stay
Interpreter Services
Communication access for patients/families with limited English proficiency, speech or a visual impairment, or deaf or hard of hearing can be arranged by a member of our staff, free of charge. Indicate to a member of our team if you will need this service, and it will be arranged for you.
Services for the Visually Impaired
If you are visually impaired, our staff will assist you with forms. The Patient Bill of Rights and various selected forms are available in Braille through the Patient Services Administration.
Pastoral Care
The chaplains in the Pastoral Care and Education Department are committed to meeting the religious, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients and their loved ones during your stay with us. If you would like to speak with a chaplain during your hospital stay, please let a member of the staff know or call the department directly. To page the on-call chaplain, contact the page operator at 212-305-5817.
Preparing to Go Home
Patients are typically discharged one to two days after vaginal birth and two to three days following a Cesarean birth. Both your obstetrician and pediatrician must authorize discharge for you and your baby. When your doctor tells you that you and your baby are ready to go home, your nurses will discuss ongoing care.
To make the transition easier, we’ll provide you some key essentials, including diapers, a swaddle, hat, and a few self-care products.
Before you leave, you’ll complete some paper forms, including your baby’s birth certificate and social security number applications.
You will also receive a written discharge plan for you and for your baby that describes arrangements for any future care that your doctor may order after discharge and a list of medications you will need to take at home. An envelope for your discharge information will be provided, so you will easily keep track of the material.