Get Smart: Do your homework before choosing a hospital

The hospital where your baby is born, and the staff who care for you, will be a major part of your memories when you and your partner look back on your baby's birth. So it's worth taking the time now to do some research. Mostly you'll need to ask a lot of questions, gather information and compare what you discover at various facilities to your list of what's important and necessary in choosing a hospital.

Your health insurance plan may limit your choice of hospitals. You will also be limited to the hospital or hospitals where your doctor or midwife has admitting privileges. Keep this in mind when choosing your provider, since you may be choosing the place of birth at the same time.

For some women, laboring, birthing and staying in the same room, access to jetted hot tubs and a CD player during labor is the priority. Others could care less about amenities; they want to be sure there is an anesthesiologist on site at all times and a neonatal intensive care unit in case something should go wrong. Clarify your own priorities before you start looking around.

Questions to consider

Read over this list of questions. Some may not be relevant to your needs. Others may bring up issues you hadn't yet considered, but may want to.

Is the hospital located near your home? Can you get there easily for regular and emergency care?
Is the hospital clean? (Check the public bathrooms and waiting areas.)
Does the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations accredit the hospital?
Does the hospital explain the patient's rights and responsibilities? Can you see a copy of this information?
What is the level of emergency obstetrical care? Is the hospital prepared to care for you if your pregnancy is high-risk?
What are the qualifications and experience levels of the maternity nursing staff?
How do you pre-register?
Does the hospital provide labor, delivery and recovery (LDR) in the same room, or does it provide labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care (LDRP) in the same room? Are there labor tubs, relaxation tapes or a VCR available?
If LDR rooms are provided, is postpartum care provided in a private room or a semi-private room? Will a private room cost more? (You'll want to know if insurance covers this choice.)
Is the nursery licensed for intermediate or intensive neonatal care?
Are cesarean deliveries provided for in the maternity unit?
Are there amenities for your partner to stay overnight, such as an extra bed or couch?
How many people can be present during labor and birth? Will the setting accommodate the number of people you have in mind?
What is the policy about siblings attending birth?
What is the typical type of anesthesia provided for laboring patients? Is anesthesia provided by certified nurse anesthetists (CRNA) or by an anesthesiologist (doctor)? Is an anesthesiologist in the hospital around the clock?
What are the routine policies on use of fetal monitoring, enemas, and I.V.s?
Who will be responsible for maintaining your personal birth plan? How is the staff kept informed about your specific needs?
Are nurses assigned to more than one laboring patient at a time? Will the nurse remain with me as labor progresses to birth?
Can you have snacks and drinks during labor? Is a meal provided for you and your partner after your baby is born?
Are there restrictions on taking photos or videos?
Does the hospital allow the baby to stay with you as much as you prefer? Can your baby stay in the room during nighttime hours? What are the routine policies for newborn care? Can you hold the baby immediately after its birth?
Are visiting hours restricted? Can family members or friends hold the baby?
Is a nurse or other specialist available specifically to help new mothers breastfeed? (These healthcare professionals are called lactation consultants.)
Will the hospital teach you how to do basic care for your baby and for yourself right after delivery?
Does the hospital have a postpartum follow-up program where you and your baby are assessed in person by a nurse specialist 3 to 4 days after birth?
Does the hospital offer continuing breastfeeding support after discharge?