Choosing Your Hospital For Labor & Delivery
Preparing for a baby is an exciting time, but it comes with many choices. Do you want a natural childbirth experience? Who will be with you during labor and delivery? Where will your baby be born?
If you're like most women and opt to give birth in a maternity hospital, you'll need to weigh several factors when selecting a facility. You may think all hospitals are the same, but there's a lot of variability even among facilities in the same geographic region. You should also consider your own personal preferences and comfort level before deciding.
We've compiled some things to consider as you make your choice. Here are nine things to think about when shopping for a labor and delivery hospital.
- Insurance Coverage
You'd like to think money doesn't matter when it comes time to have your baby, but medical bills can get very large, very quickly. It's important to ensure any hospital you consider is in-network with your health insurance provider. Delivering at an in-network facility will allow you to maximize your health insurance benefits while paying as little out of pocket as necessary.
- Travel Distance From Home
When it's time for your baby to arrive, you need to be as close to the hospital as possible. Make sure your hospital is within a reasonable driving distance from your home. On the other hand, don't assume the closest hospital has maternity services. Many smaller hospitals aren't equipped with dedicated labor and delivery units or special care nurseries.
- Security Protocols
Infant security is of the utmost importance. Today, infant security systems in hospitals can prevent the unthinkable from happening and give you peace of mind that your baby is safe. Ask about safety protocols in your chosen maternity hospital and review the visitation policies with your loved ones before the big day comes.
- Health and Safety Practices
In the age of COVID-19, reducing the spread of pathogens is on everyone's mind. When considering hospitals, ask about testing procedures and if patients who test positive are kept isolated away from the general population. You should also inquire about the number of birth support partners you can have with you during delivery. Some hospitals limit the number of people who can be there to assist you.
- Birthing Plans
Every hospital has standard operating procedures when it comes to delivering babies. Familiarize yourself with the procedures at your hospital to ensure they align with your desires. Will you have to be connected to a fetal monitor while you labor? How many people can be in the antepartum room with you? Is the hospital supportive of natural births, and what's the C-section rate for low-risk pregnancies? Don't wait until you're in active labor to discover the answers to these questions.
- Accommodations and Specialization
You assume your baby will be born healthy and happy, but if there's a problem, can your hospital handle it? Check to see if there's a neonatal intensive care unit on-site or if your baby will need to be transferred to another facility if a higher level of care is required. You should also ensure the delivery and postpartum rooms offer enough privacy to make you feel comfortable during an extremely vulnerable moment. Even better are comfy, homelike rooms with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out.
- Staff
It's important to find out the nurse-to-patient ratio at the hospitals you're considering — but you should take it a step further. Observe how staff members interact with one another and with patients. Staff should be friendly, open and positive while also maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Amenities and Services
Many maternity hospitals have lactation specialists on staff to help you begin your breastfeeding journey. Some hospitals offer classes in postnatal care and referrals to pelvic floor specialists to help get your body on the road to recovery. However, don't assume all hospitals offer these services. Smaller hospitals may only provide the basics of maternity care, so inquire about specific offerings.
- Birthing Features
Well-developed maternity programs have birthing features to make your labor experience a little easier. Inquire about the availability of birthing balls, aromatherapy, whirlpools or tubs, squat bars, birthing chairs and the like.
Along with these specific features, you should also consult your friends and family about their experiences with various labor and delivery hospitals. Online reviews are another good place to source information, and your OB-GYN's opinion should also factor heavily into the equation.
With so many things to consider, be sure to start early to ensure you have plenty of time to make the choice that's right for you.
For more information on choosing the right hospital for your delivery, check out the accompanying resource.
Author bio: Meredith McRoberts is Chief Executive Officer and the fifth-generation owner of McRoberts Corporation. She is a respected innovator and leader in the security industry. McRoberts established McRoberts Technologies to address specific security risks through the use of leading-edge technology and unmatched customer service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder.
