Where to Give Birth Checklist – Choosing the Right Maternity Hospital for You and Baby

Are you pregnant? It might be the most exciting time of your life. Amid all your excitement, however, there is a lot to worry about.

Proper planning includes finding the right maternity hospital for your needs. It would be best if you found the right OB/GYN for your personal needs. 

Here is a birth center checklist to ensure you make the right decision.

1. Decide Where You’ll Have the Baby

Where do you plan on having your baby? This is a matter of practicality and personal preference. With some research, you can establish the most convenient place to have your baby.

Considering where you live, check different hospitals’ quality data. Settle for one that offers you and your baby the best results.

Before starting your search, determine what you need for labor and delivery. Your needs will help the doctor personalize your birth plan.

2. Consider the Maternity Care Team

The maternity care you receive is closely tied to your chosen maternity hospital. When making your decision, consider how maternity care staff made you feel.

How did the midwife or physician speak to you? Did they appear standoffish or uninterested? If so, you should keep exploring your options.

You should be able to connect with your maternity care team. They must assure you that they prioritize your interests. You will unlikely enjoy the process if you don’t trust your maternity care team.

Deciding who will care for you is just as important as where you get care. Essential items to consider regarding your maternity care team include:

• Does the birth center have perinatologists or maternal-fetal medicine specialists?
• Can you labor with a doula or midwife?
• Does the center offer non-traditional care?
• Is group prenatal care available?

3. Breastfeeding Support

The right maternity hospital holds your hand after delivery. They offer breastfeeding support. This is especially important for first-time mothers. Find out if your preferred hospital has board-certified lactation consultants.

Alternatively, you can find Baby-Friendly facilities. They are designated for their high standards in supporting breastfeeding right after birth.

Such facilities focus on the health of both mother and baby. The staff is trained in problem-solving to make breastfeeding as smooth as possible.

4. Accommodations

Consider the accommodations in a maternity hospital before going forward. Do you want a hospital with single postpartum rooms?

Are you comfortable sharing a room with other moms? Do you want the baby to be brought to a nursery, or will they stay in your room?

While you hope for the best, every birth bears some risk. You can’t predict the outcome. However, it would help if you found a maternity hospital that covers you in the event of unexpected eventualities.

A hospital that considers your needs can make you feel better about your general experience.

5. Prepare for the Worst

No matter how much you prepare, things don’t always go as expected. You may suffer birth injuries due to labor complications, stress, or confusion.

Although some birth injuries are minor and don’t need much attention, others can be life-threatening.

If your child has injuries sustained during birth, they may result from medical malpractice and you can seek legal help. A good lawyer will help you determine if your case qualifies as medical malpractice.

If it does, they’ll help you gather evidence and seek compensation.

In conclusion, your child’s birth is one of the most critical moments in your life. Therefore, it only makes sense that you prepare for it.

Childbirth is just as scary as it is exciting. You need all the help you can get to put your mind at ease. Consider the above tips for picking the right maternity hospital.