Tips for Choosing a Maternity Hospital

Once you learn that you are pregnant, there are several decisions that you have to make. For instance, you have to seek the attention of a pregnancy care specialist, such as Rosh Maternal and Fetal Medicine OBGYN, so that you can start your prenatal care. With time, you will also have to choose the right maternity hospital where you will deliver your baby. There are several factors that you have to consider in this regard, and therefore it can be quite overwhelming, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Below are some of the important qualities that your maternity hospital of choice should have.

Clinical Excellence

When it comes to delivery, you cannot afford to rely on amateurs. You can never be sure about how simple or complicated the process is going to be until it is done. Therefore, you have to pick a hospital that has what it takes to handle any complications. For instance, you have to ensure that the hospital has board-certified OB/GYNs, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and nurses.

Special Care Nursery

Of course, you have to be ready for the possibility of having a premature baby. Therefore, it is wise for you to pick a hospital with a special care nursery managed by neonatologist nurses with the necessary training and experience to take care of babies born prematurely after at least 32 weeks of pregnancy. It is also wise to choose a hospital that allows and encourages parents to get into the nursery to spend time and bond with their babies.

Pain Relief Choices

Whether you would like to rely on natural ways to relieve labor pain or you prefer pain medications, it is wise for you to get a hospital that offers:

• Pain medications, including local and regional anesthesia
• Alternative, natural pain relief options

This is because you never know which one is going to be most appropriate for you or which one you are going to require.

Birthing Options

Giving birth is quite a monumental event. The process can be life-changing, and therefore, your maternity hospital should provide you with the necessary tools to create a birthing plan. The plan should outline how you would like to deliver, including the birthing approaches and techniques you want to be used during labor.

Postpartum Care

After delivering, you are going to require a conducive environment for you and your family to start bonding with the baby. Therefore you have to pick a maternity hospital with comfortable, homelike postpartum rooms away from delivery and labor. A good maternity hospital should also have supportive nurses that are willing to guide you on initial child care practices such as breastfeeding, bathing, and dressing.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent if you are pregnant, the importance of taking your time to choose the most appropriate maternity hospital cannot be overemphasized. There are several factors that you should consider in this regard. Your choice is going to determine the quality of care you are going to receive during the whole process. It will also significantly affect your safety and that of your baby. Therefore, it is imperative for you to do your due diligence and consult with your trusted OB/GYN before making this important decision.