Video: Dr. Michelle Hocking talks about the many St. Luke's resources for parents-to-be.

Preparing For Baby

Every step of the way, the St. Luke's Birth Care team is here to help you through your pregnancy and prepare you for the birth of your child. Our expert team of nurses, doctors and health educators offers the information, classes and services you need at every stage.

Classes

A healthy pregnancy begins before your baby is even conceived! Our classes for parents trying to conceive will help you learn everything you need to know about starting a family. For couples having difficulty conceiving, St. Luke's offers a welcoming support group.

If you are already expecting, St. Luke's has classes for the entire family. From baby basics to refresher courses for grandparents, plus prenatal and infant massage, St. Luke's will help you become well-prepared for your new family member.

Pregnancy and parenting e-newsletter

St. Luke's free e-Newsletter tracks your baby's development week by week during your pregnancy and baby's first year. Sign up today!

Tour the hospital

On the big day, you want to know exactly where you're going. Sign up for a tour of our birth center with your support person. After you’ve taken the tour, check our maps and directions and create a plan for how you'll get to the hospital.

Preregister online

Don’t worry about completing forms on the big day – you can save time and energy when you arrive at the hospital by preregistering for your hospital stay. 

Enjoying your stay

Your private suite has been designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. When the time arrives for you to check in, you'll go directly to the Birth Care Center. Pull up in front of the building when you arrive. Wondering what to bring with you? Take a look at our list of what to pack for your visit.

Sharing the good news

We make it easy to let your loved ones share in this experience with online resources to send flowers or greetings. Families can also set up Web cam visits from your suite or glimpse baby in our online nursery.

Going home

Going home is exciting, but for a new parent it can also seem daunting. St. Luke's offers classes for new parents and extensive resources for parents including breastfeeding support and My Nurse, a free 24/7 call service staffed by registered nurses for those middle-of-the-night questions.

Whether you're just starting to plan or getting ready to meet your new baby, St. Luke's is here with the classes, resources and support you need to feel prepared. If you have questions, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions. For more information, e-mail us or call 319/369-7264