Preparing for a Hospital Delivery

Today, most births take place in a hospital with a doctor or certified midwife (if you choose a birthing center on hospital grounds). Keep in mind, the selection of either a doctor or midwife delivering your baby will, in most cases, determine the place of birth. If you are living in a metropolitan city, you may have several hospitals to choose from. Small town residents may only have one hospital with or without a birthing center, limiting their options.

Mothers and families should note that hospitals are not created equal and vigorously compete to set themselves apart from the competition. Many hospitals will offer their patients different room amenities along with pre and post childbirth education classes for the entire family.

What to Ask:

• Where do you park when you arrive? What seems like a simple question is often overlooked during this hectic situation.
• Does the hospital offer birthing rooms or can labor and delivery take place in the same room?
• Are rooms private or semi-private?
• How many people can be present for the delivery?
• What are the rules regarding cameras, video cameras, and other electronics?
• Will the staff honor your preference to have a natural birth? When is medical intervention absolutely necessary?
• What training does the hospital have for newborn care, and are lactation specialists available for further questions?

Birthing Room Options

Some hospitals have birthing room options which are fully equipped for standard, complication-free deliveries. Birthing rooms, unlike regular delivery rooms, are adorned with artwork, curtains on the windows, a rocking chair, and a soft, comfortable bed with the ability to transform into a birthing bed. Since birthing rooms are becoming increasingly popular at many facilities, the demand exceeds the supply of rooms and they are assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in pursuing this option, mothers are advised to check the hospital's policy and birthing room vacancy.

Most hospitals transport a new mother and her baby from the birthing room to a postpartum room where she can spend time with her family roughly an hour after delivery.

Hospital Benefits and Hospital Detriments

Every argument carries two sides, and like home deliveries, hospitals have pros and cons. Each method of delivery should be decided by what is best for you and your personal preferences.

Benefits:

• In case of an emergency or delivery complications, being in a hospital will grant you instant medical attention without having to be transported from your home or a free-standing birthing center.
• The University of Texas Medical Branch released a study in early May 2009 that analyzed 12 million deliveries over five years. The study suggests that neonatal deaths (babies dying shortly before or after birth) were less at hospitals than home deliveries. Hospitals totaled .06 percent while home deliveries accounted for .18 percent of deaths.
• The ACOG also urges hospital or accredited birthing center deliveries because complications can arise with little or no warning to low-risk pregnancies.
• Availability of technology to assist the birth process.

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