AHN West Penn Hospital Helps You Prepare for Parenthood

Getting ready to welcome a baby is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming. Many expectant parents wonder if they are doing enough to prepare.

At AHN West Penn Hospital, our care teams help guide new parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to help families get the best possible start.

What it means to prepare for a baby

The truth is, there is no one right way to prepare for parenthood. But having the right support during this major life change can make a big difference.

“Preparing for a baby is more than buying supplies or setting up a nursery,” said Allison Hall, MD, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at AHN. “It’s about emotional preparation, building a support system, and understanding what life will look like after your baby arrives.”

West Penn helps expectant parents feel ready by offering guidance and support to:

• Learn what to expect before, during, and after birth
• Access resources to support your needs
• Plan for life at home with your baby
• Prepare for physical, emotional, and mental health changes

Education and advice for new parents

One of the best ways to prepare for parenthood is to know what is normal before, during, and after childbirth. AHN created the Your Journey Through Pregnancy guide to help you understand what happens to you and your baby during each stage.

West Penn also offers education classes on a range of topics to prepare you physically and mentally for childbirth and parenting. Learning ahead of time can help you feel less anxious and know what questions to ask during your doctor visits.

“There’s a lot of lingo and medical terms,” said Dr. Hall. “These classes help you feel more prepared ahead of your stay at the hospital.”

During the second or early third trimester, both you and your support people are encouraged to register to attend classes at AHN, including:

• Childbirth Preparation and Birthing Skills
• Getting Ready for Breastfeeding
• Newborn Care and Safety
• Infant and Child CPR

Getting help with your needs

Preparing for parenthood also means making sure you have what you need at home. That’s why West Penn connects you with resources to support daily life. These services are designed to support you and your whole family. Help may include:

• Applying for government programs such as Medicaid or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Access to fresh food through AHN Healthy Food Centers
• Assistance getting baby supplies, like a safe place to sleep
• Guidance for financial or other needs

Planning for life at home with your baby

The first few weeks with a newborn can feel like a big adjustment. Having a support system in place and a plan — even a simple one — can make life at home easier.

Your support system may include:

• A partner or co-parent
• Family members or friends
• Your care team at West Penn
• Support groups like CenteringPregnancy^®, where you can learn and build community with other new and expectant parents.

Before your baby arrives, talk with your support system about:

• Sharing feeding, diaper changes, and nighttime care
• Helping with meals, chores, or errands
• When to rest or take breaks
• How to communicate and support each other

“It really takes a village,” said Dr. Hall. “Having a strong support system can make a big difference as you adjust to life with a new baby.”

Preparing for changes

The postpartum period, also called the fourth trimester, is a time of healing and adjustment that extends well beyond your hospital stay. It can last for weeks or even months.

During this time, you may experience:

• Physical recovery from birth
• Changes in mood and hormones
• Sleep loss and fatigue
• New routines and responsibilities.

To help keep you connected to your baby throughout the postpartum period, West Penn offers support such as:

• Lactation support, even after you go home, to help you master breastfeeding
• Referral to a pediatrician for your baby, if needed
• Follow-up care within six to eight weeks after childbirth, unless there is concern you should be seen sooner.
• Women’s behavioral health services for up to a year after childbirth

It is normal for new parents to feel overwhelmed at times. If your body, mood, energy, appetite, or anything else seems “off,” talk with your care team at West Penn so we can help.

You’re not alone in this journey

When you’re learning to care for yourself and your baby, it’s important to remember that you may not have all the answers right away — and that’s okay. At West Penn, your care team is here every step of the way to offer guidance, education, and reassurance so you can feel ready for what comes next.

Visit ahn.org to learn more about pregnancy and newborn services at AHN West Penn Hospital.