All women who seek pregnancy protection at the health care center in Ísafjörður have the opportunity to visit the maternity ward together with their partner or other birth partner towards the end of their pregnancy, and then the birth is also discussed with each couple individually.
If you have in mind to give birth at the maternity ward in Ísafjörður but have not been here for pregnancy protection, it is preferable to contact us by phone 450 4500 during daytime hours and get to hear from a midwife. It is best to get in touch around 30 weeks of pregnancy so that there is time for you to come and see the department if you are interested.
What is good to take with you to the maternity ward
Having a baby is one of the most amazing things you will ever experience and one of the greatest achievements you will ever make. The most important thing in childbirth is positivity, optimism and faith in yourself. Remember that nature made sure that your body can give birth the same way it can carry a baby. And don't forget the support person, he is much more important than all the stuff that could possibly be forgotten at home.
Before the birth it's nice to have something light to nibble on that gives you energy. In particular, it is good to bring energy-rich drinks, although not with caffeine, for the woman giving birth. Supporters can have caffeinated drinks, may even be good if labor starts late in the evening or at night. You can also bring music, there is a CD player on site, but the speaker that comes with it cannot be connected to a phone.
It's a good idea to bring comfortable clothes, both soft pants and tops to wear both during and after the birth, and a robe and slippers if you want. If you want to take advantage of the bath or shower during the birth, you can also bring a bikini, but it is not necessary, relatives must have swimwear if they wish to accompany a woman in the bath/shower.
A toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush and toiletries are good to have, as well as shampoo and conditioner. Towels, wash bags and hairdryers are provided as well as hospital gowns, large ties and fishnet panties. A smaller sanitary napkin is good to have with you.
For the child must have a car seat for the journey home and it is good to remember to have taken care of how to secure the child in the seat and the seat in the car. You also need to have a baby blanket and clothes for the baby, and preferably an extra set as a spare. Here in the ward there is a bit of baby clothing, but it has reached its age so many parents prefer to keep the baby in their own clothes all the time in the ward. Baby diapers and sponges/wipes are provided.
If you have any special wishes for the birth, it goes without saying that you should make a wish list and have it with you.
Almost everyone also has their phones with them, both to take pictures and to let their people watch. Then it is good to remember that the birth of a child is a short time that will not come back. If parents want to enjoy the moment for a while with their newborn baby, there is an option to wait a while before picking up the phone. The people at home naturally get excited and want to make sure the phone doesn't stop. About two hours after birth, the baby has usually had a good time with the parents, the first feeding has been completed and the parents have started to relax in the crib with the sleeping baby. Then there is often a good time to describe the color miracle to friends and family.
Updated December 14, 2021 (Björn Snorri)