Labor has started, your baby is on its way – and it's time to get to the hospital! Ideally you’ve already taken a birth center tour of Swedish Issaquah, so you’re familiar with where to go and how to check in. But even if you haven’t, we’ve got the information you need to make getting here as easy as possible.

• Park anywhere in the patient lots near the main entrance.
• After arriving, a nurse will greet you and check you into the triage area.
• Once you’re in your suite, your nurse will have you sign consent forms and ask you a few questions about your health and pregnancy history. She’ll check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse, the baby’s heart rate, and observe your contractions. She’ll take urine and blood samples, and possibly start an IV.
• If you’ve made a birth plan or have any questions, concerns or requests, now is the time to share them with your nurse.

Professional photos are a great way to capture the early days with your baby. We offer optional photos through Bella Baby Photography. 

Your Bella Baby photo shoot will take place in the comfort and privacy of your hospital room. Afterward, you can have the photos posted to a password-protected site for sharing and ordering. They’ll be available for 14 days after the photos are taken. Each photo can be ordered in black and white, color, or sepia.

• Bring a special blanket from home and wrap your baby in it during the photo shoot.
• Parents’ hands are often incorporated into shots. Wear clear, neutral, or no nail polish to keep the focus on your baby.
• Moms and dads should bring a solid black, brown or grey shirt to wear in photos where they are holding the baby. These shots look nice in color or black and white.