As your due date approaches, you'll find it's easy to get sidetracked decorating the nursery, buying tiny garments, and daydreaming about your baby's arrival.  For this reason, we've designed the following checklist of preparations for your labor and delivery:

Hospital tour:  Tours of the Labor and Delivery suites at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center are available.  Arrangements can be made by contacting Labor and Delivery through the direct line at 863-7661.  Tours are designed to increase your familiarity and level of comfort with the hospital.

Pre-registration:  Pre-registration at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center should be completed before the fifth month of pregnancy.  This entails bringing your insurance card to the hospital's registration office and completing the necessary paperwork.  Call 862-1111 to make arrangements.

Epidural service:  An epidural should be considered before the day of delivery.  You will need to register with the anesthesiologist, Dr. Fonsby Decroos.  He will show you a video that will outline the risks and benefits of an epidural.  Please call 863-2861 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to bring your insurance card.  We recommend that you complete this step sometime before your fifth month of pregnancy.

Lamaze instruction:  A certified Lamaze instructor will be offering evening classes.  Lamaze is a method of childbirth that involves psychological and physical preparation by the mother for the purpose of suppressing pain and facilitating delivery.  Space is limited, so please promptly notify our office at 862-1800 if you wish to attend.

Lactation consultant:  For women who are considering breastfeeding, a lactation consultant is available to schedule individual appointments.  The consultation will provide various techniques to assist with successful breastfeeding.  Patients are encouraged to make their first appointment prior to delivery.  Contact our office at 862-1800 if you are interested in this option.