Hospital Birth
If you have chosen a hospital birth, there are several things you should consider.
Hospitals are answering the wants and needs of women, they are running a business of course, and have answered pleas of women wanting a more family oriented setting with more comfortable surroundings. The goal now is to have the mom stay in one room for the entire birth and recovery. This is much more comfortable for the mom and also for the family. A good thing to find out first is if you and your family are able to take a tour of the facility. At this tour, you can find out several things.- What the hospital rules are about who can be present during delivery
- What the rules are about using cameras or video cameras during labor and delivery
- What are the monitoring procedures?
- What is the rule about having an IV
- Does the hospital have a tub for you to labor in?
- Does the hospital have waterbirth facilities?
- Will the staff honor your preference for a natural childbirth
- What are their rules about the mother being able to hold and bond with the baby immediately after birth
- Where do you park when you arrive (this is a good question to ask)
- Do they have CD player if you want to have music
- What tests will be done on the baby immediately after birth and before leaving the hospital
- What type of training does hospital provide for newborn care
- Is the follow up communication after I go home?
- Will I have access to a lactation consultant
- What level is your special care infant-intensive care unit
95% of women deliver in a hospital settingRemember that this is your birth experience. The hospitals do have rules, but always remember that you are a customer. No one can force you to do something you don't feel comfortable with. You have a birth in mind that you want, but you are in a hospital for the peace of mind and insurance knowing that if something should go wrong, you'll feel safer being in this type of environment. Also, having a caregiver you trust should make you feel more at ease, you chose this person because you trusted them to make the best decision for you and your baby should an emergency arise. The goal is the have a healthy baby and mom.
Choosing an OB
Midwives
Birthing centers
Doulas
