How to choose a hospital for childbirth?

Every expectant mother wonders which hospital to go to when the delivery begins. Where it will be safe for her and her baby. What conditions should be met by the ward where she will stay for a few days of puerperium and, of course, give birth to a happy birth.

Remember – you are important ❤️ 

You have the right to dignity and respect, to reliable information about your health and treatment options

Choose a ward where there is empathy, support, care and intimacy

Pay attention to the factual aspect. Which doctors work there, which midwives, what experience and qualifications they have. Such information is usually posted on the websites of hospitals, near the descriptions of individual departments.

If you are going for an epidural, is it possible to have a family birth? Of course, in times of pandemics, when all hospitals have closed their doors to visitors, this may be difficult, but there are some units that, in order to minimise the risk of SarsCov2 infection by taking the necessary precautions, allow family births and visits by relatives.

The equipment in the neonatal unit is also important. If something happens to the newborn after birth, will it be necessary to transport him to another hospital or will he get the necessary help on the spot. Don’t decide on the assumption that you will only give birth in a clinical center, as many hospitals have well-equipped neonatal units.

The appearance of the unit is less important for the safety of baby and mom, but it is also important for you and your family. Pay attention to cleanliness, but with the current sanitary inspections it is uncommon for the ward to be dirty and cluttered. Currently, due to the epidemiological situation, it is not possible to visit the wards – so you must rely on the opinions of other moms who have stayed in particular wards.

Rooming-in system

When choosing a branch that is a long distance from where you live, be prepared with an alternative location. You do not know whether you will have time to get there. If you don’t want to be separated from your baby, find out if the unit has a rooming-in system, which allows a new mother to stay in one room with her newborn. Being in the same room with your baby will be good for your psyche and you will be able to continue the close relationship you had when the baby was in your womb.

Hospital staff and breastfeeding

It is important to have someone to help you with lactation problems in those first moments after birth. It is a good idea to seek advice from a lactation consultant. Check to see if your unit has a lactation consultant or Lactation Clinic.

What to take to the hospital?

And finally, check what you need to bring for yourself and your newborn. Some hospitals require clothes, others require disposable diapers or baby care products. Remember to bring only the essentials to the hospital.

We’re curious to know what this looks like/has looked like for you?

Did you check the hospital before the birth? What surprised you negatively and what surprised you positively?

Be sure to let us know, it can be very useful information for other moms 🙂