Can I choose the hospital where I'll give nascency?

In nigh cases, you'll evangelize your babe at the hospital where your healthcare provider has admitting privileges. And so keep in mind that when you choose a doctor or midwife, you'll likely be choosing the place where yous'll give nascence. It'due south worth doing some enquiry to make certain the infirmary's policies and approach to birth fit your needs.

Some practitioners accept admitting privileges at more than ane institution. If this is truthful for your healthcare provider, inquire how where y'all'll deliver will be adamant.

It's also critical to determine which area hospitals are covered nether your insurance plan. Information technology's more than than frustrating to find out halfway through your pregnancy that your doctor or midwife takes your insurance but the hospital they evangelize at does non!

What if I want to try a VBAC?

If you've previously given birth by c-section and are interested in trying to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) this time, make sure the hospital will allow it (and that your doctor performs them) and has the medical personnel available 24/vii to exercise an firsthand repeat c-department, if necessary. If this is of import to you, you may desire to inquire about VBAC success rates of your hospital and provider.

What if I have a high-take chances pregnancy?

If yous're at loftier risk for preterm nascence or other complications that might affect your infant and y'all live in an area where there are a number of hospitals, you'll want to choose one with a neonatal intensive care unit of measurement (NICU). Also, every NICU is not the same; some hospitals are equipped to have care of the tiniest babies while others are merely able to care for those 32 weeks and beyond and need to transfer those more premature.

pregnant woman working on laptop computer

What if I want a hospital birth in a more low-tech environment?

Some hospitals take on-site nascence centers in addition to traditional labor and delivery suites. Birth centers offer the option of laboring and giving birth in a more than relaxed setting, oft with civilities such as a whirlpool bathtub for you lot and a comfy sitting room for family members.

If yous need to be transferred for any reason - if, for example, you decide yous want an epidural – yous'll only take to move down the hall or up a floor or two. Of class, you'll have to make sure that the caregiver you choose is willing to deliver in a birth centre.

In addition, many hospitals are equipped to support low-interventive intendance for labor, if desired, while at the same time providing a prophylactic net in case additional care is medically necessary.

What else should I consider?

Here are a few questions you may want answered in accelerate:

  • Does the hospital offer classes that yous're interested in, such as prenatal, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting classes?
  • Will I be able to labor and give nativity in the same room?
  • Is there a split up postpartum room or is that the same as my labor and commitment room ("LDRP")?
  • What are the hospital's policies about things like continuous electronic fetal monitoring and routine intravenous hydration? How much leeway does my practitioner accept to decide with me what my all-time plan is?
  • Is there an anesthesiologist or anesthetist at the hospital around the clock?
  • How many women in labor does each nurse typically intendance for?
  • How do available options marshal with my platonic? For example, is there a tub to labor in? Can I play soft music and soften the lights?
  • What pain relief options will exist available? (All hospitals are equipped to administer an epidural, only not all provide nitrous oxide, for example.)
  • How many support people are immune to be with me in the labor and birth room? (Your partner volition certainly be welcome in any institution, but if you want your sister, a all-time friend, a doula, or anyone else to be in that location, y'all should make sure early on in your pregnancy that information technology'll exist allowed.)
  • Will my baby's siblings be immune to attend the birth?
  • Are there private postpartum rooms, if desired? Is i generally bachelor? What's the extra charge? (Unless yous demand a private room for medical reasons, your insurance won't fully cover the price, then you may want to detect out how much yous'll have to pay if you opt for a single room.)
  • Can the baby stay with me in my room 24/7? Is there a nursery available if I need a nap?
  • Tin can my partner stay with me in the room? What accommodations do yous take for partners?
  • Are lactation consultants bachelor? (A specialist tin can be invaluable in helping you lot become off to a good start with breastfeeding.)
  • What's the visitation policy? Are there specified visiting hours?
  • Does the hospital accept cord claret donations or arrange for cord blood donations to a public cord claret bank (if this is something you're interested in doing)?
  • How long is the typical stay in the hospital after a vaginal birth? After a cesarean?
  • What are the meal options? How proficient is the nutrient?
  • Is this a education hospital? Are there residents and medical students involved in my care? (They can exist valuable squad-members and instruction hospitals are typically at the forefront of medical care then don't discount this easily, only it's important to know). What are the roles of learners at this institution?
  • What is the C-Department rate at this institution? What is the C-Department rate for women having their start babies, singletons, who are not in breech position?
  •  What are the rules or protocols for inductions of labor?

How can I get answers to these questions?

There are a diverseness of ways to go this information.

  • Ask the doctors or midwives you're considering to exist your caregiver.
  • Talk to friends or family members nearby who have recently given nascency to go their take on things.
  • Call the hospital directly and ask to speak to a childbirth educator, if they take one.
  • Speak to other childbirth educators or doulas in your community.
  • Cheque with hospital maternity services. Some have websites with detailed descriptions of their services and policies.

Of course, you tin can also take a tour of the hospitals you're considering. If you exercise, pay particular attending to what's existence said and don't exist shy about asking questions. (Information technology'due south nice to see the physical space, too, only don't let the decor sway yous also much - it's unlikely that you lot'll detect it, much less intendance about information technology, when you arrive in labor!)

Wondering what labor and commitment will exist like? While every woman's experience is dissimilar, y'all may find it helpful to see what it'due south been like for other moms. Take a wait at our videos on birth with an epidural, natural birth, an induced labor, and birthing twins.

Learn more:

  • What to expect at your prenatal visits
  • How to choose an obstetrician
  • Choosing a certified nurse-midwife
  • Choosing a direct-entry midwife