Choosing The Right Hospital For Delivering Your Baby: Four Questions To Ask
When it comes to finding a hospital to deliver your baby, there are many different things to consider. If you don't already have an OB/GYN, searching for a hospital with the right doctor and the right amenities is important for your birthing experience. Here are just a few things to look for when selecting from the available hospitals in your area.
What Type Of Birth Experiences Are Offered?
Hospitals can offer different options for birth experiences, so be sure to know what each location has to offer. Some facilities may be equipped for water births, while others may offer private birthing suites to provide added comfort during traditional deliveries. Ask which options are available, and ask how many rooms the hospital has in the maternity ward. If you live in a highly populated area, you may want to select a hospital with a larger ward to ensure you get the experience that aligns with your birth plan.
Are Midwives And Doulas Welcome?
Some women may prefer to have a doula or midwife present during delivery. You may be able to find a hospital that can coordinate care between a doctor and your birthing expert of choice. If you plan to use a doula or midwife, you'll want to know that he or she is welcome in the delivery room with you. It's also a good idea to find out how many people can be in the room. It might be important to you to have your spouse and a parent present, but your hospital may have a limit on how many people can be with you.
Do You Have A NICU?
While you expect your baby to be perfectly happy, knowing that the hospital has a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) can provide added peace of mind. The NICU can provide emergency care for babies who are born prematurely or who have medical complications. You may also want to find out if the hospital has a pediatrician on-call to handle any unforeseen medical emergencies.
What Amenities Do You Offer?
Hospitals offer a wide variety of amenities to pregnant women. Some allow you to order food from the kitchen at any time of day or night, which comes in handy for a middle-of-the-night delivery. New moms who want to encourage co-sleeping may appreciate hospitals equipped with modern co-sleeping beds, while others may prefer a facility that lets you send the newborn to the nursery so you can catch up on sleep. You may even find a hospital offering massages or spa treatments to help you begin to feel like your normal self.
Take a tour of the hospitals you are interested in, and ask plenty of questions. The choice you make will help to make your birthing experience more comfortable.
Share