Choosing where to bring your little one into the world is one of the most significant decisions you will make during your pregnancy journey. For many families in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery stands out as a premier choice. Located on Davis Islands, this facility offers a unique combination of high-tech medical intervention and wonderful patient care. Whether you’re planning a natural birth or require medical attention, here are 5 easy tips to help you feel empowered as you approach your due date.
Hi, I’m Lauren a Tampa Newborn Photographer and mama myself. I know that this all can feel overwhelming, however, once you arrive at the hospital, the professional atmosphere and sweet staff will make you feel comfortable. Being prepared is the secret to a peaceful birth experience.
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Pre-Registration Early
My first tip is to handle the paperwork early. This will make everything smooth on your big day! Complete your pre-registration online through the hospital’s portal, so when you finally arrive at Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery, you’ll be ready to go. Pre-registering allows the staff to have your chart ready the moment you walk through the doors.
Conduct a “Dry Run”
TGH is a massive campus, and Davis Island can be a bit of a maze if you are not familiar with the streets and layout. I highly recommend doing a practice drive, so you know where to go before your due date. If you’re not schedule for a c-section or an induction, you might be arriving at the hospital in the middle of birth and knowing where to go will give you peace of mind. Identify the exact entrance for Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery and locate the designated parking areas for laboring parents. Valet parking is available and might be a lifesaver if things move quickly.
Lactation Consultant Resources
Once your baby is born, you will be moved from the labor suite to a private postpartum room. TGH is a baby friendly designated hospital, and they focus on the health benefits of breastfeeding and skin to skin contact when baby arrives. While you are in the care of the team at Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery, take full advantage of the specialized lactation consultants that are there. They are available to come to your room and help you with positioning and latching if baby is struggling.
Pack for Comfort
While the hospital is baby friendly, bringing your own comforts can change the vibe of your birth. Bringing a soft robe, long charging cord, your own pillow, etc. can make things feel more personal. You’ve done all this hard work of growing a human; you deserve to feel comfortable during your stay at Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery.
Communicate Your Birth Preferences
Finally, remember that the team at TGH is there to support you! TGH is a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing a safety net that allows you to feel secure in your choices. The staff at Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery is highly trained in various birth styles and is dedicated to making your stay there comfortable.
I hope you’ll consider Tampa General Hospital labor and delivery for your birth!
By following these five tips, you can go into your delivery day with a sense of peace. TGH offers a world class birthing experience right here in Tampa Bay, ensuring that your transition into motherhood.
Once you’ve got your hospital figured out and you’re ready to move forward, consider booking your newborn photographer early as well. Most newborn photographers book out months in advance often while you are still in your second trimester! Securing your session early ensures that once your little one arrives, you can focus entirely on those precious first snuggles while I handle capturing your family.
I’d love to help you document this incredible new chapter. If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the TGH experience and the beauty of those first few days, let’s chat!