The following suggestions and activities will help you feel more prepared for entering the hospital and caring for baby in the first few weeks and months--letting you more fully focus on the birth of your baby.

For more information, subscribe to our New Parent E-newsletter.

Choosing a Pediatrician

Selecting a physician for your baby is an important decision. Spectrum Health Medical Group and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital offer more physicians to choose from than any other health care providers in the region. Since some babies come early, a pediatrician should be selected at least two months before your baby’s due date. If you have not selected a pediatrician, call 616.391.5999 or visit Find a Physician.

Tour the Family Birthplace

Tours of the Family Birthplace are available for expectant parents. Visit our birthing suites, well-child nursery and postpartum rooms, as well as meet some of the friendly and caring staff that may be caring for you and your baby on your big day. Visit Family Birthplace Tours for more information.

Attend Birthing Classes

To help prepare you for your baby's birth and hospital stay, we encourage you and your partner to attend our childbirth and parenting classes taught by certified childbirth educators. We believe a prepared parent is an empowered parent. Our free "Expecting a Baby?" booklet of class information is available through your physician's office or by calling Healthier Communities at 616.391.5000. To schedule a class, call 616.267.2626 (option 4), or toll-free at 877.495.2626 (option 4).