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Giving birth is the most wonderful experience of a woman’s life. The joy of welcoming a tiny new member in the family is beyond words. But there is possibly a good chance that this whole happy experience might turn into something exhausting and horrid if you do not prepare for everything beforehand. Hence, choosing the right hospital should be on the top of your list!
It is imperative that you start planning much before as to which hospital you are going to choose for the birth of your baby, as last-minute decisions can turn pretty bad. There are a lot of factors that already narrow down your choice of hospital as Neel Shah, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School says, “Unfortunately, in 2018 you can’t just go anywhere.” So, to make sure that the joy of giving birth turns manifold, here are a few things you should keep in mind while choosing a hospital for the birth of your baby.
1. Which Maternity Hospital I Choose?
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It is one of the most important points to look out for. It is natural that you will be choosing a hospital where your gynecologist’s practices or has admitting privileges, therefore going for such an ob-gyn will be a wise choice. There is a pretty good chance that your doctor might be unavailable or late when you go into labor, in which case you can be attended by another obstetrician on duty at that time. Besides, there are other advantages as well like breastfeeding lessons for moms from lactation consultants, the exclusivity of the staff members, and trained professionals regarding the birthing only.
2. What Can You Afford?
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Affordability is a key point that needs to be checked. If you happen to have an insurance, make sure that the hospital takes it since what gets covered in insurance varies from one hospital to another. Also, check early on whether your medical aid covers your hospital stay and whether it complies with the rates the hospital charges. If not, you must start making arrangements.
3. What Are The Accommodation Facilities?
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Regardless of how it eventually happens, you must find a hospital that meets your needs of comfort and support. One must check the post-partum room facilities in accordance with one’s needs as to whether one wants to have a private room or a shared one. Do they allow a family member to stay with the mother or not? It should also be noted that whether the baby will stay with the mom or in the nursery as well.
4. How Far Is It From Your Home?
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One of the absolute must-check points. Although, the distance doesn’t have much to do with the birthing experience, it has got a lot to do with the time you take to reach the hospital from your home. Less travel time and less traffic will certainly ensure that you reach the hospital on time. You do not have to be in agony with the pain of traffic and long travel time in an already tense situation.
5. Does It Have Adequate Staffing And Efficient Management?
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Having a good doctor doesn’t ensure that everything is right since a lot depends on what kind of hospital you choose. Before zeroing in on any hospital make sure you take a tour (other than the virtual tour present on the hospital’s website) of the hospital to see the staff and nurses and note how efficient they are with their work. Also, make sure the hospital has a large staff to patient ratio. Look for reviews and gather information from your peers or family members who have been to that hospital.
6. What Are Its Facilities In Cases Of High-Risk Pregnancies?
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If you have an existing health condition that might affect the delivery of the baby, or have had a difficult pregnancy where the life of a baby or the mother is in danger, find a hospital that can accommodate you in the worst-case scenario. For example, the presence of a blood bank, ICU, and NICU. You should be ensured that you are provided with appropriate care in any untoward situation. Also, make sure to check its C-section rate for low-risk pregnancies. Some hospitals do not prioritize vaginal births owing to their specific (mainly financial) goals.
7. What Are The Rules Of The Hospital?
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The rules to check mainly include fetal monitoring being continuous throughout the entire labor process or in intervals, and the number of people in the room while you are in labor. If you are one of those who needs the support of close ones while you are giving birth, you should definitely keep this in mind.
Childbirth is an exhilarating experience but at the same time stressful. The least that one can ensure is to make it hassle-free and less stressful, which all starts with choosing the right hospital.
