The Care Available
You can ask your doctor, your midwife, or the leader of your prenatal class what she knows about the hospitals in your area, But the only way to really find out what a hospital can provide and whether it’s right for you is to go and take a good look around and ask questions. There may, of course, be only one hospital in your area, but if you do have a choice, make sure you get satisfactory answers so that you can feel happy and confident about the hospital you choose.
TYPES OF HOSPITALS
There are different kinds of hospitals, most of which provide maternity care. Without question, teaching hospitals provide the most modern facilities. Here, doctors are always on duty, so if you run into any complications, there will be someone to attend you. And, as a rule, doctors at teaching hospitals are usually more experienced in dealing with complicated births. The smaller community hospitals are rare now, but they do tend to be more friendly and flexible, although midwives still have to follow the same guidelines as midwives in larger hospitals.
VISITING HOSPITALS
If you can, tour one or more hospitals with your partner before making your final choice. Most maternity hospitals give a formal tour, sometimes as part of general prenatal preparation classes, otherwise as part of the general welcome made to mothers signing up. Find out about when these tours take place and ask if you can join one before you make your decision.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOSPITAL
Hospitals can be intimidating, but usually seem less so when you get to know them. Try to visit the hospital of your choice at least once, more if possible, so that you can meet some of the staff who’ll be caring for you. You’ll also have a chance to get the feel of the routine and look at the delivery room and other facilities. The more time you have to walk around, the more familiar you’ll become with the surroundings so you’re more relaxed when the big day comes. It’s best if you and your partner do this together so that you both get to know the place and the people and will feel confident when you are actually there for the birth itself. Remember, though, that security considerations mean that maternity wards are now carefully monitored, so don’t try to visit without an appointment. Any unannounced visitors are likely to be challenged.
It’s a good idea for you and your partner to take a look around the outside of the hospital and find the emergency entrance. Many women go into labor at night, and having to search for the entrance in the dark is the last thing you need.
CHANGING YOUR HOSPITAL
If you do have problems and you find that your hospital is not meeting your expectations, you don’t have to abandon the system altogether. A hospital is there to serve you; healthcare is a consumer issue and you do have the right to refuse certain procedures. If you’re very unhappy with any aspect of the care at your hospital, you can arrange to be transferred to another one. You could also try getting in touch with the head of the clinic or your obstetrician and explain your feelings and what you think is wrong with the clinic. If you find a sympathetic doctor who you
get along with, you may change ‘your mind about leaving, although it’s unlikely that he or she will be there for your delivery. If you do feel you must change hospitals, your obstetrician will probably recommend another doctor at a center of your choice.
BIRTHING ROOMS
Most hospitals should have birthing rooms available. These are non-clinical and more like your own home, with comfortable chairs, low lighting, soft music, piles of cushions, and drinks and snacks on hand.
The whole aim of a birthing room is to help you relax, overcome fears, and relieve tension. A normal routine before the birth makes for a normal delivery, and once you’re in a birthing room you won’t be moved unless there’s an emergency that needs immediate attention. There shouldn’t be any sudden changes in movement, mood, and surroundings. You won’t have to lie down to have your baby, and you don’t need to be surrounded by intimidating equipment. In a birthing room, you can take up whatever position you want for the birth of your baby.
For many women, a birthing room provides the ideal compromise between home and hospital births. It provides surroundings and facilities as similar as possible to those at home, but with emergency expertise on hand and an epidural available if labor pains become overwhelming.