Preparing for the Big Day

Planning your arrival to the hospital

Please visit our maps page prior to your due date so you are familiar with travel time, parking, and where to enter the hospital Find Us North Iowa, Iowa (IA), MercyOne North Iowa

• Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm
  Enter through the Main Entrance check in at Patient Registration
• Monday-Friday after 5:00 pm or on Weekends
  Enter through the Emergency Center and register there.

After you have registered, you will be escorted by wheelchair to the birth center on third floor.

A nurse will help you to a labor/delivery/recovery (LDR) room, get you comfortable, assess your stage of labor, and contact your physician.  A resident physician also may assist in your care.

Approximately two hours after your baby's birth, you will be relocated from the birthing suite to a private patient room.

Items to bring with you

• Comfortable clothing and/or pajamas if you wish to wear your own.
• Slippers.
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, toiletries (can be provided if you forget).
• Hair accessories, such as curling iron, etc. (hairdryers are provided).
• A pacifier if you wish your baby to have one.
• A safe and properly functioning car seat (please verify that it works in your car in advance).
• Going-home outfit and blankets to dress and cover your baby as appropriate for the weather.
• Checkbook or money order for Birth Certificate payment. No cash please.