Congratulations on your pregnancy and thank you for choosing Hartford Hospital as your baby’s birthplace.
Selecting A Pediatrician
It is very important to choose your baby’s doctor before coming to the hospital to deliver your baby. Find a pediatrician online or call 1.855.HHC.HERE.
Arrival
Enter Hartford Hospital through the Emergency Department. You will be directed to our labor & Delivery elevators, which will take you to the Labor & Delivery Admissions area on the 6th floor.
Visiting & Parking Guidelines
View our visiting guidelines and parking options.
Parking
You may use our valet parking service located outside our main entrance or our visitor public parking garages – fees apply. Courtesy parking is provided on your day of discharge.
What to Pack
Pack your suitcase and baby’s bag before you come to the hospital. They can be brought in after you have delivered and are in your room. You are welcome to bring any items you need to keep you comfortable in labor. We will give you a gown in the Labor and Delivery area.
For You:
- Brush/comb
- Deodorant
- Blow dryer*
- Two supportive bras
- Pajamas
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Clothes to wear home
- Lip balm
- Your favorite pillow
- Water bottle
- Phone and chargers for electronic devices (free WiFi available)
- Insurance card, driver’s license
- Birth plan
- Music (MP3 player, tablet)
- Headphones
- Eyeglasses
- Flip flops or slippers
- Robe for walking in the hallway
- Watch with second hand to time contractions
- Lollipops, hard candies
For Baby:
Please leave the following at home:
- All jewelry and body piercings
- Large sums of cash
- Credit cards
- Other valuables
*For patient safety, all electrical appliances are subject to a safety inspection by the Hartford Hospital Biomedical Engineering Department.
My Birth Wishes
Help prepare for your birth and recovery by usiing the My Birth Wishes form. This will make your wishes known by your care team. Our goal is to keep you and your baby safe. Please bring this form with you to Labor & Delivery.
Skin to Skin
Your baby will be placed on your chest following birth. Skin-to-skin provides numerous health benefits for your baby such as stabilizing body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. Skin-to-skin also helps you bond with your baby and start the first feeding.
Rooming In
Your baby will stay in your room with you following birth. This will allow you to learn your baby’s needs and give your baby warmth, comfort and security. The staff is here to answer your questions and teach you about caring for your baby.
Preparing For Discharge
Obstetrics and pediatrics will be involved in the discharge of you and your baby on the day you go home. Your infant’s car seat must be brought to the postpartum unit on discharge day. Send the majority of your personal items home the day before you leave to expedite the discharge process.
Baby Friendly
Hartford Hospital knows breastfeeding is important for you and your baby. We offer a support group that meets every Wednesday at 11:30AM in the Bliss 6 Day room to answer your feeding questions after discharge.