How to Choose the Right Hospital for Your Delivery
- Posted On:
- Written By: Grace Wegner
Childbirth is one of life’s biggest moments. Where life’s story begins.
Choosing the right hospital for your delivery can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With some simple considerations, you can evaluate your hospital options and make the right choice for your growing family. Take your time, do your research, and keep in mind these helpful tips to make the process less stressful.
At Myrtue Medical Center, our Birthing Center understands the importance of finding the right hospital for your delivery. We want you to know that you are not alone, it’s natural to feel both excited and anxious during this time. That’s why our team created an easy-to-follow guide to help you through the process of finding a perfect fit.
Start by Finding the Best Doctor Near You
Pregnancy is a unique and different experience for every woman. Because of this, it’s important to find an outstanding team of doctors and nurses to guide you through this journey. Together, you will learn about your baby, make decisions to encourage adequate growth and development, and construct a birthing plan catered to your needs. It is of utmost importance to find a facility that makes you feel welcome and comfortable, as you will spend a lot of time with your obstetric team.
At Myrtue Medical Center, our OB providers are with you every step of the way, offering one-on-one individualized care to meet your specific needs. Your OB provider will be present for your delivery, unlike other medical facilities, where your delivering doctor may be maternity healthcare provider on-call.
Enhance Your Birth Experience with Research on Birthing Hospitals
With so many available luxuries and amenities at hospitals and birthing centers, it is important to consider the kind of birthing experience you desire before starting your research.
If you are unsure where to begin, your obstetrician can be an excellent resource. They are knowledgeable about different birthing approaches and can assist you in finding the ideal fit for your individual needs. Your doctor should also motivate you to discuss your birthing plan preferences. It is important to note that there are numerous tools and amenities that can benefit laboring mothers, so do not hesitate to ask about them. Some amenities include whirlpool tubs, oil diffusers, dimmed lights, etc.
Consider the Hospital Rating Before Delivery
If you are unsure which medical facility to choose, research ratings or reviews from other patients online. Look for awards or achievements that may indicate a facility’s exceptional care for their patients. For example, Myrtue Medical Birthing Center has recently received the following awards and achievements:
- Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa depot and dispensary
- IBCLC Care Award – for facilities that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding
- Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
Research the Delivery Details That Matter to You
Now that you have found a doctor that you trust and a hospital that you think is the right fit, it is time to focus on the little details. While there are many important questions to consider, it is easy to overlook the small details that can make a big difference.
Here are a few examples of things to ask about when preparing for your hospital stay:
- Nurse-to-patient ratio
- Number of patients
- Access to lactation consultants
- Hospital policies regarding visitors
- What to expect during the admission and discharge process
- Any necessary pre-surgery preparations
- Pain management options
- If OB provider can and will be present for delivery
- Post-partum care, resources, and advice
Some of these factors may be small, but they can influence your overall experience. For example, nurse-to-patient ratio will determine the kind of support you will receive from the staff, and the number of patients may effect room availability. Additionally, do not be afraid to schedule a tour of the hospital. This will give you a chance to see and familiarize yourself with the facility and ask any questions you may have ahead of time!
If you are unsure about what to ask your doctor, take a moment to visualize how the labor and delivery process will unfold. Do not hesitate to discuss questions with your doctor during your next appointment to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Seek Advice from Moms in Your Life
Chances are, you know people who have experienced childbirth. We encourage you to reach out to them for guidance and to hear about their labor and delivery experience. Whether their experience was positive or negative, they will likely have valuable advice to share. Seeking out a second opinion from someone you trust will relieve any doubts you may have.
Take advantage of shared patient stories, Myrtue’s Childbirth Preparation class, The Parent Network, etc. for helpful insight. These resources offer an excellent opportunity for you to see others’ experiences and know what is right for you!
Although it may take some time to find your ideal hospital, the benefits and end result are worthwhile. Choosing a great system of doctors and nurses in an environment that suits your needs will make your delivery so much better for you and your baby.
If you are in the early stages of pregnancy or considering starting a family, it is normal to have a lot of questions. We are with you every step of the way.
Welcome to Myrtue Medical Birthing Center – where our entire team comes together to give mothers, children, and families the unique support, education, and assistance they need. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide you with the most reliable information. We would be honored to be your trusted resource for all things related to women’s health.
Contact us at 712.755.4299 – we would love to see you in person!
Childbirth is one of life’s biggest moments. Where life’s story begins.
