Image: Shutterstock
One of the most important decisions you’ll make soon after the news of your pregnancy is choosing the right hospital for your pregnancy and childbirth. It is a well-known fact that during your pregnancy, you will have several check-ups and doctor visits. In addition to this, you will have to consider your due date and how accessible the hospital will be when the big day is near. Things are a tad bit easier if you are a stay-at-home mom, but if you’re working, you will have to figure out if you want a hospital closer to home or closer to the office. Here’s us giving you a few pointers so that you can make a well-thought-out decision about your birth plan:
Things To Keep In Mind
Image: Shutterstock
Most of the time, we consult our friends and family for good recommendations in terms of affordability, accessibility, and quality. But it is also important to do some detailed research before you jump at the first opportunity. Pre-planning will make your nine months and birth quite easier. So before you get down to deciding if you want to choose a healthcare provider closer to home or closer to work, you might want to consider these other factors as well:
1. Check Out The Staff Credentials
Image: Shutterstock
It is essential to do a background check on the obstetrician and staff of the hospital so that you know that you are in responsible hands. You can have a look at their credentials and gather reviews from the internet to ensure that they are board-certified. Further, you can fix a few appointments and gauge your comfort level with the doctor. You can then decide if you were able to build a rapport with the doctor, if they were able to answer your questions clearly, and if you’d like to take things forward with them. Even if you are not much of a perfectionist and believe anyone, this is about the health of you and your baby. So make sure you are 100% satisfied with all the services and flexibilities that they have to offer and then eventually come to a peaceful decision.
2. Hospital Facilities
Image: Shutterstock
Make sure you look for a hospital with facilities such as a Neonatal Care Unit and an adult ICU. Irrespective of whether or not you and your baby will need such facilities, it is always better to have them, to avoid last-minute panic. Some hospitals also have in-house prenatal classes, so this way, you can club both your appointments and your classes together without having to make too many visits. The doctor’s availability also matters. At times, it may be hard for you to juggle between work and your home. Consult the doctor if s/he entertains virtual calls. It is hard for doctors to refuse that request nowadays, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic surfaced.
3. Pain Relieving Options During Labor
Image: Shutterstock
Labor can be a painful experience, but there are a few options for it to be manageable — some are medically induced, while others are more natural methods of pain relief. Before you settle on a hospital, check to see what pain relief methods they usually use during labor. Most hospitals offer local and regional anesthetics and pain relief medications; however, some hospitals also provide alternative options that are a more natural approach to relieving pain. Epidural anesthesia, and nitrous oxide are some of the many anesthetic options that are used for smooth delivery. You will have more options if it’s your very first baby as your body is experiencing it for the first time. If you are having a second baby, the doctor will run tests and the status of your pregnancy before administering one. Sometimes, some women decide not to go for one. But you have to be carved out of iron to make this daring decision.
4. Birthing Options That Are Available
Image: Shutterstock
There are several birthing options available, and if you have decided how you want to bring your baby into this world, you’ll have to opt for a medical facility that can help you with that option. In addition to regular delivery and C-section, other options include water delivery, the Bradley method, and the Lamaze technique, to name a few. Having said that, you can opt for alternative birthing methods if the doctor recommends them in case of complications.
5. Postpartum Care For Mother And Child
Image: Shutterstock
While the worst is over with labor, the road to recovery is still a long one. If you choose a hospital that provides postpartum care, then you can enjoy benefits such as guidance on breastfeeding, therapy, and even counseling. Your baby, too, will be taken care of when you need rest. This also includes postnatal care and classes, which can easily help you transition into this new phase of your life. Sometimes, no matter how prestigious and reputed some hospitals may be, postpartum care is taken very lightly and almost always sidelined. That is why prior research is important to detect
Closer To Home Or Closer To Work?
Image: Shutterstock
The answer to this question is highly subjective. You could opt for a hospital closer to home and take time off from work on the days you have your appointments. However, if you think that your work will permit you to do a hospital visit between work hours, you can settle for a hospital closer to work instead. It is, however, highly recommended to apply for maternity leave instead so that your attention is undivided. Who knows? Once you are back to work post-pregnancy, you might bounce back with fresh energy!
It also depends on whether or not you will still be working towards the end of your pregnancy. Some women continue to work right until the end of their pregnancy, while others start their sabbatical a month before their due date. If you belong to the latter, you could opt for a closer-to-home hospital. However, if you know that you’ll be working when labor hits (and this has happened to several women), then you could opt for a healthcare center that is closer to work. Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!
