A lot goes into preparing to give birth. From setting up the nursery to taking childbirth prep classes, there is a great deal to sort out in what may seem like a short amount of time. One of the top concerns for mothers-to-be is choosing the right hospital for labor and delivery. Below are a few words of advice on handling this step of the intricate child-birthing process.
Labor and Delivery Considerations
Selecting a Location
One of the first factors to consider when deciding which hospital is right for you and your family is the location. While birth outcomes are generally not affected by the distance between your house and the hospital, a short distance can help alleviate stress associated with traffic. For this and similar reasons, many women choose a nearby maternity location.
Considering Insurance
Another leading factor is insurance coverage. Just as not all health centers are maternity hospitals, not every location will accept your health insurance. As you search by location, narrow down your options by checking which ones are in-network providers. You should also verify if a doctor you want to see specifically takes your insurance.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should also determine which hospital is the best choice to accommodate your particular needs. Whether your current pregnancy has been difficult or a past delivery was complicated, you need the facilities to be properly equipped with an ICU, NICU or other accommodations to effectively handle a worst-case scenario.
Reviewing the Staff and Amenities
Along the same lines are the qualifications and credentials of the staff. Establish if there are skilled specialists on the labor and delivery team, such as board-certified OB/GYNs, anesthesiologists, lactation specialists and neonatologists for premature babies. These can help make certain that you and your infant are in well-qualified hands.
Other hospital amenities you may want to investigate are the types of rooms available, pain relief choices and postpartum care services. For instance, some maternity units offer single postpartum rooms or special rooms for natural birth options, such as water birth. There are also birthing features you may be interested in and should check the availability ahead of time. Such features may include birthing balls, peanut balls, squat bars and birthing chairs. These options may be better in line with your birth plan or help you to feel more comfortable throughout the experience.
Many hospitals offer in-person tours of the facilities, which are helpful in substantiating your choice. Whether opting for a tour or asking questions over the phone, be sure to inquire about the safety measures in place. In addition to following the latest contagion protocols — COVID or otherwise — the infant security system in hospitals on your list should be robust with updated technology and real-time location services. You could also use the tour as an opportunity to observe the staff. Look for a team that interacts with patients, family members and each other in a friendly, professional manner.
These are the main considerations you’ll want to go over; however, they do not cover each and every concern. To learn more about choosing your hospital for labor and delivery, please see the accompanying resource.
Infographic provided by McRoberts Technologies, RTLS asset tracking
