✅ Take a Childbirth Class
Learn what to expect during labor and delivery so you feel confident and prepared! View our offerings here.

✅ Learn Infant CPR
A baby CPR class can help you feel ready to handle an emergency—just in case!

✅ Talk to Your Doctor About Vaccines
Ask your doctor which vaccines—like Tdap, flu, RSV, and COVID—can help protect you and your baby.

✅ Prep Easy, Healthy Meals
Cook and freeze simple, nutritious meals now, so you have less to worry about later!

✅ Install Your Car Seat Early
Set up your baby’s car seat ahead of time and get it checked at a certified location for safety.

🚗 Find a Car Seat Check Location: MA Car Seat Inspection Locations

• North Adams Police Department
  Call 413-664-4944 to schedule an appointment.
• Pittsfield Health Department
  Call 413-499-9411 to schedule an appointment.
• Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative
  Call 413-717-7209 to schedule an appointment.

FIVE EASY TIPS*

✅ 1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.

✅ 2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

✅ 3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Hum the “happy birthday” song twice from beginning to end.

✅ 4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

✅ 5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

*Use hand sanitizer when you cannot use soap and water.

✅ NUTRITION: Breastfeed, if possible, introduce a variety of healthy foods, limit processed and sugary foods.

• Learn more about the Operation Better Start Program
• Learn more about the Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC)

✅ SLEEP: Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a sleep-conducive environment, avoid electronics before bed.

✅ EXERCISE: Regular exercise is good for physical and mental health, encourage outdoor play, limit screen time, make exercise a family activity.

✅ SAFETY: Use car seats and seat belts correctly, teach your children about safety away from home, install safety gates & locks.

• Find a Car Seat Check Location: MA Car Seat Inspection Locations

✅ MENTAL HEALTH: Encourage open communication, be mindful of stress levels, create a positive home environment.

✅ GET VACCINATED: Vaccines are safe and effective and save countless lives.

• American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule Birth to 6 years old
• American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule 7 to 18 years old

✅ ARE YOU READY FOR THE TRANSITION?

• Can you describe your medical condition to someone else?
• Do you know the medication and/or equipment you use to manage your condition?
• Do you rely on your parents to speak at doctors’ visit?
• Can you set up an appointment by yourself?
• Do you understand how health insurance works?

✅ WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY CURRENT DOCTOR?

• Recommendations for a new adult care provider.
• Steps to finding a new provider.
• How to transfer your medical records.
• Any other materials needed for the first visit with a new provider.

✅ CAN I TAKE A SUPPORT PERSON ON MY FIRST ADULT CARE VISIT?

• It is up to you if you would like a support person with you on your first adult care appointment. You can ask them to join by phone or wait in the waiting room for you.
• Ask your support person if there are any questions they would recommend asking during your appointment.
• Try to answer all the questions yourself and schedule follow-ups yourself.

✅ WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE MY FIRST ADULT CARE VISIT?

• Know your medical history (past procedures, medications, allergies).
• Find out how to send your medical records to your new provider ahead of the first visit.
• Ask how long the first appointment will be.
• Get to your appointment early to avoid missing it and to fill out any necessary forms.
• Be sure to check in at the front desk and have your insurance card/pay co-pay if required.

✅ IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP: Ask as many questions as you need.