PREGNANCY + NEW MOM GUIDE
Resources for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and New Moms in Lakeland + Polk County
Are you expecting a new baby? Or are you a pregnant mom who has recently moved to the Lakeland or Polk County area? Start your parenting journey with our resources for a healthy and happy pregnancy. In this Guide, you’ll find listings for hospitals, OBGYN’s, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, baby stores, new mom support, pediatricians, and more.
Plus, once your new bundle of joy arrives, we have plenty of information to help you enjoy the Lakeland area with your little one(s).
Don’t miss our Health + Wellness Guide and our Fitness + Nutrition Guide.
Thank you to our Sponsor: Lakeland Regional Health
Having a baby is an exciting time in your life, and Lakeland Regional Health feels privileged to share that experience with you.
Lakeland Regional Health has a large team of OB/GYN physicians, advanced practitioners, nurse midwives, nurses and other skilled providers to help make sure your childbirth experience is safe, memorable and what you would expect. Click on any topic to learn more about their services and see contact information:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lakeland Regional Health is more than just a hospital. The LRH Physician Group provides care in over 20 specialties at convenient locations throughout Polk County. LRH is home to highly skilled OB-Gyn physicians, certified nurse midwives and a compassionate care team offering expert obstetric and gynecologic care in a comfortable, nurturing environment, located right at the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. They provide complete prenatal and birthing care from your pregnancy all the way through delivery.
Center for Fetal Care
For women with a high-risk pregnancy or other underlying conditions, the Center for Fetal Care provides specialized evaluations and consultations. They use advanced technology and testing to give you peace of mind and to achieve the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.
Classes for New Parents
LRH offers a variety of classes for soon-to-be parents and those planning to become pregnant. Class topics include: Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, Prepared Childbirth, and New Parent 101. Click here to see upcoming classes.
Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children
With approximately 3,100 deliveries each year, Lakeland Regional Health is experienced in welcoming babies into the world. The Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children with its contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology, is why Lakeland Regional Health is your ideal childbirth destination. Take a virtual tour of the Pavilion or sign up for a free Labor & Delivery Tour to take a closer look at their rooms and services.
Lakeland Regional Health’s spacious home-like birthing suites allow expectant mothers to be supported by family and friends, if desired, while under the care of the highly skilled obstetric team. Each mom also receives a special gift from Lakeland Regional Health upon arrival to the Mother-Baby Unit. If your baby requires specialty care, Lakeland Regional is home to the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Polk County, with a design that will allow you to stay in the room with your child. Additionally, lactation specialists provide support and education for those mothers who want to breastfeed their babies.
Pediatricians
Your baby will see a pediatrician while still in the hospital, and when you select a Lakeland Regional Health pediatrician, you will receive a continuum of care from the hospital to the doctor’s office. LRH is home to multiple board-certified pediatricians and two board-certified nurse practitioners (APRN) who provide care in Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Lakeland Regional Health hosts a monthly Breastfeeding Support Group, a time for sharing and support for breastfeeding moms, led by Certified Lactation Consultants. All breastfeeding moms and nursing babies welcome. Also for expectant mothers who are considering breastfeeding their newborn. Held the first Monday of the month at 10am in the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children.
Learn more about Lakeland Regional Health in our posts near the bottom of this article.
PREGNANCY + CHILDBIRTH ARTICLES
Safe Sleep Awareness: Keeping Babies Safe while Sleeping is as Easy as A-B-C
Sleep-related deaths are consistently one of the leading causes of death in children under 1 in Polk, but they are 100% preventable. By remembering a few simple sleep safety tips – the ABC’s – you can create a safe place for your baby to sleep and nap.
New Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health
Check out the new Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health! It includes helpful articles and videos, plus tracking tools for contractions, kick counts, newborn feedings, and more.
Lakeland Regional Health offers Virtual Classes on Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care
Lakeland Regional Health continues to help women and families in our community prepare for childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn through virtual sessions and Q&A series. Learn more and register for an upcoming class.
Ask the Experts: Q & A with Lakeland Regional Health Pediatricians
“What would you ask your pediatrician if you could sit and have an extended chat with them?” We asked, you answered, and now we are getting answers for you! Read our Q&A session with Dr. Janelle Lee and Dr. Maria Martinez-Ramos, pediatricians from Lakeland Regional Health.
Center for Fetal Care at Lakeland Regional Health: Providing specialized care for high-risk pregnancies
For expecting women who are more likely to develop problems during pregnancy, the doctors at the Center for Fetal Care at Lakeland Regional Health can provide the reassurance and additional care you need to help guide you through a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Lakeland Regional Health Offers a Personalized Childbirth Experience with new changes in Labor & Delivery
Lakeland Regional Health provides moms with the opportunity to create a personalized birth experience. Learn more about the variety of birthing options and labor tools in the new Pavilion for Women & Children.
Our Tour of the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children at Lakeland Regional Health
With the opening of the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children, Lakeland Regional Health is now the premier destination for family-centered quality healthcare in our area. Women and children will receive compassionate and safe care during life’s most important moments. Learn more and see our photos and videos.
ARTICLES FOR NEW MOMS
10 Great Ways to Meet Mom Friends in the Lakeland Area
Making mom friends is intimidating. And hard. And often outside our comfort zone. But we all need friends through this journey of motherhood! We are here to help with list of local places where moms congregate and your newest mom friend might be waiting.
PREGNANCY DIRECTORY
For a full list of Pregnancy, Childbirth & New Mom Resources, click the links below to visit our Directory:
HELPFUL INFORMATION
What to expect during Pregnancy?
- Sign up for the FREE Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health to access a wealth of information about pregnancy and childbirth
- LRH has a guide for the First, Second and Third trimester on its website.
- Sign up for Lakeland Regional Health childbirth classes or learn more about breastfeeding, newborn care, or take a tour of the Women’s Pavilion
- BabyCenter is a great online resource and will send you weekly emails to track your pregnancy
- The Office on Women’s Health website is full of helpful information
What to bring to the Hospital?
- LRH has a great list on its website
Car Seat Checks
- Be sure you have an infant car seat prior to giving birth. Use the Car Seat Guide from Safekids to find the right seat.
- Jennifer Cipriano, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health and is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Call her at 863.284.1882 to schedule a free appointment.
- The Lakeland Fire Department does NOT offer car seat instillation, however several area organizations do. Visit their website and look for the Car Seat Installation link to see a list of local providers.
Safe Sleep for your Baby
- Healthy Start Coalition Safe Sleep Task Force works year-round to educate local parents about safe sleep practices. Learn more about the safest place for a baby to sleep.
Assistance with Medical Care
- Check the Medicaid website to find out if you’re eligible.
- If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help you find low-cost medical care. Call 866-762-2237 for more information or visit the Access Florida website.
Additional Resources for Pregnant Women + New Moms
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have recently been pregnant, infants & children under age 5. Visit their website or call 1-800-765-5942 to see if you qualify.
- Healthy Start is a free home visiting program that provides education and care coordination to pregnant women and families of children under the age of three. They are a helpful contact for finding local resources – 863-534-9224.
- Call 211 for help locating local resources for health care, food, and other needs
- Healthy Families Polk is a voluntary, home visitation program designed to promote and enhance the healthy development of children and families. Call (863) 534-5257 for info.
- Peace River Center provides a 24-hour crisis line: (863) 519-3744 – and a Crisis Response Team for any type of emotional crisis, both during and after your pregnancy. (Call 911 if you are in danger)
Guide to Lakeland + Polk County
Check out our Guide to Lakeland + Polk County for more parenting resources and local information including Things to Do with Kids, Education, Childcare, Healthcare, Classes + Lessons, Youth Sports, Birthdays, and more.