The following suggestions for during your pregnancy will make your hospital stay and the first weeks after your baby is born easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Pre-Register for Your Hospital Stay

      
You can securely pre-register online for your hospital stay by filling out our Hospital Pre-registration Form. This convenient way to register eliminates the need to do so when you are admitted to the hospital.

Tour the Hospital

       
Schedule a tour of the Birthing Center. A caring staff of educators gives tours of our Birthing Center on most Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Please call (608) 417-5900 to register for your tour. Tours are free, and separate tours are available for adults and families. Don't have time for a tour? At least take our Virtual Tour of the Birthing Center and NICU.

Figure Out Your Health Insurance

   
Each health insurance policy can be different, so we recommend you contact your health insurance company and discuss your coverage before you are admitted. You'll be pleased to know Unity Health Plans and Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation both offer accessibility to Meriter Hospital.

If you are a member of Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, contact the Customer Service department at (608) 282-8900, 1-800-545-5015 or ppicinfo@pplusic.com. If you are a member of Unity Health Plans, call their Customer Service department at 1-800-362-3308. If you have questions or concerns about billing, call Patient Business Services at (608) 417-3800.

Choose a Health Care Provider for Your Baby

      
If you are a member of Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation or Unity Health Plans, their Customer Service staff can help you select a physician for your baby. You can also request a referral online through Meriter's Dr4U service.

Test Your Water

Well Water - If you have well water, it is very important to have it tested to be sure it is safe for your baby. A high nitrate content will decrease the ability of a baby's blood to carry oxygen. Bacteria in the water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Boiling well water may kill the bacteria, but it also increases the nitrate level.

City Water - If your home was built before 1985 have your water tested for lead. If your home is new, have your water tested for copper.

How to Test - The local agencies that test water are:

• State Lab of Hygiene - 1-800-442-4618 or (608) 224-6202. Water testing kits for well and city water are available for a small fee.
• Public Health for Madison and Dane County - (608) 266-4821. Water testing kits for well and city water are available for a small fee. Fees are waived for Dane County residents who meet income eligibility standards.

Research Diaper Services and Products

     
The Birthing Center proudly uses cloth diapers. You may want to investigate diaper services and products available in your area. A list can be found in the phone book under Diaper Service.

Obtain an Infant Car Seat

   
Wisconsin law requires all infants to travel in an approved car seat when transported in an automobile. Please bring in your car seat to the hospital at least a day before you go home. Read the instructions for the seat and refer to your automobile manual for an understanding of how to use the seat. When buying a seat, be sure to get one that fits your vehicle and that is designed for infants. There are two types that are safe for newborns: seats made especially for infants, and larger convertible car seats in the infant position.

Prepare Breastfeeding Supplies and Support

     
Meriter provides many resources to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience:

• Classes including "Basics of Breastfeeding" and "Breastmilk: Learn to Pump and Store." Register online through the Meriter Classes and Events section.
• Nursing supplies, including breast pumps, available through Meriter's HomeStretch Medical Equipment. (608) 417-8224.
• Nurses trained in lactation support are available for feeding assistance during your hospitalization.
• The Breastfeeding Helpline with specially trained lactation consultants. (608) 417-6547 or 1-800-261-4449.
• The Breastfeeding Clinic provides one-on-one personal attention and specialized follow-up care to meet the needs of each mother and infant. (608) 417-6547.
• Corporate Lactation Support Services works with employers to provide services for women who return to work while breastfeeding. (608) 417-6547 or 1-800-261-4449.

Attend Birthing Classes

      
The more you know about birth and parenting, the better prepared you will feel for those wonderful life changes. That's why Meriter offers classes taught by professional nurses and educators to help ease you into your new role as a parent. Topics include preparing for childbirth, newborn care, breastfeeding, lifesaving, Mother Baby Hour and more. You can register online through the Meriter Classes and Events section, or call (608) 417-5900.

Create a Birth Plan

   
You can customize a Birth Plan for your family on our Web site. Writing a birth plan helps you to consider the many decisions you will make during your labor and postpartum time at Meriter. It also educates you and your support people in options available.

Use the Resources Within this Web Site

 
Also, use the resources within this Web site to:

• Sign up for The Parent Review, our free weekly e-mail newsletter for expectant and new parents. Each week, you receive just the information you need to know now!
• Read our informative article on how to choose a physician
• Learn more about our Baby Mail service
• Visit our Healthy Library section, which contains a due date calculator, informative articles and more
• Print out directions and information for your Birthing Center visitors
• Read about other families' birth experiences
• Learn about our Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Perinatal Clinic

Other suggestions include:

• Plan for help at home.
• Prepare the baby's sibling(s), and arrange for childcare during your hospital stay, if applicable. You can register online for sibling classes through the Meriter Classes and Events section.
• Think about your future family planning needs.
• Begin exploring childcare options if you plan to work outside the home.