How do you choose a hospital?
"The choice of hospital has a lot to do with which doctor you choose. My doctor was credentialed to deliver at a couple local hospitals so I had a choice. I suggest touring a couple different ones so you can compare them."
"Take a tour, most hospitals hold maternity tours and it's worth the time for you and your other to take. It gives you a feel for the place and keeps you from getting that lost feeling."
"Take a look around the hospital, if your classes don't give you a tour. Visit the nursery and the delivery rooms. Find out what they provide for your comfort (TV? showers? spa? beanbags? pillows? heatpacks? coldpacks? bed that folds into any comfortable angle you might like to be at during labour (including squatting, or over on your hands and knees?). Do the staff support you in your choices as to what to do? Are they strict on visiting hours? (preferably fascist! :-) ). What can you do in/out of hours -- who can you ring/talk to? where's the doorbell when they lock the door overnight? can you come in for reassurance and not feel guilty? Do they support rooming-in (the baby) or give you a choice to chop-and-change as needed? The W.H.O. has a set of guidelines for 'baby-friendly' hospitals - see if your choice is one."
"Find out which hospital your OB is affiliated with. If it is not the one you want, change OBs now."
YOU MUST CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER TO FIND OUT WHICH HOSPITAL THEY WILL COVER. IF YOU GO TO A HOSPITAL THAT IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR INSURANCE PLAN YOU MAY END UP PAYING THE ENTIRE BILL OR A VERY LARGE CO-PAY.
