How to Choose the Hospital for Pregnancy

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Look for the hospital in your area that is especially for women and infants

   Some obstetricians or midwives may have privileges in all the hospitals in your area, but some are limited to only 1 or
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   If they don't have privileges at the hospital of your choice, ask them where to go, who to see, and what to do.
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   Step 2: and ask your obstetrician or midwife if they have hospital privileges there.

   , If you are interested in trying a vaginal birth but have previously had a C-section, you may only be admitted to a hospital with specialized trauma care because of the potential for complications. , Get an idea of how the room arrangement works and if there's a possibility you could get a private room. ,, Not only may you wish to have physical support after birth or a C-section but also moral support. ,, If the baby experiences any complications after birth, he or she will be placed in this unit inside the hospital.
   
   Some hospitals do not have a NICU and this may affect your decision when choosing a hospital for delivery.
   
   Along with a NICU unit, you want to make sure it is staffed with nurses and doctors who are specially trained for critical care.
   
   Ask if the hospital has accommodations for you and your family in the hospital in the event that your child must stay after you are released from care. , If not, ask about the facility's on-call system. , A lactation consultant educates you on the benefits of breast-feeding as well as help you practice how to hold the baby and get the baby to latch onto your breast.
   
   Overall, a lactation consultant can be helpful in easing the stress related to breast-feeding especially for the first time.
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   Step 3: Call your health insurance company to ask about their coverage on childbirth

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   Step 4: and how to pay bills they don't cover.

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   Step 5: Consider what kind of birth you are expecting - natural

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   Step 6: vaginal or c-section - when deciding on your choice of hospital.

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   Step 7: Examine the number of rooms available when choosing a hospital for pregnancy and whether the maternity ward is full most of the time

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   Step 8: which could affect your length of stay.

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   Step 9: Review the patient-to-nurse ratio when choosing a hospital for delivery to evaluate whether you'll be getting ample support as you transition into motherhood.

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    Step 10: Analyze the facilities' rules regarding night visitors and accommodations for family and friends overnight when choosing a hospital for pregnancy.

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    Step 11: Make sure specialized care is available if you need it.

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    Step 12: Assess the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) especially if your pregnancy has been deemed high risk.

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    Step 13: Inquire if there is an in-house pediatrician or obstetrician to handle emergencies during overnight and weekend hours.

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    Step 14: Check to see if there is a lactation consultant assigned to the hospital you choose for pregnancy if you are considering breast-feeding.

Detailed Guide

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