Maternity Care Facility

Things to Know about the Maternity Care Facility - If you are going to write a ‘birth plan’ that indicates your wishes for how you want your labor and delivery managed, ask to have this plan put on file and find out whether you need to bring another copy when you come to the hospital (just in case they can’t find the one you gave them).

Also, find out if they will FOLLOW this plan, presuming there are no emergencies or special circumstances. Does your chosen hospital have policies they must follow for all patients in labor? If so, you should find out what they are so that you can take them into consideration when you write your birth plan.

Find out about nursing care as well. How many nurses are on duty in the birthing center or maternity area? How long are their shifts? How many patients does each nurse manage?

Ask about birth-related statistics: How many babies are delivered at this facility per year? How many are vaginal births (with or without medication), how many are C-sections?

How many births do they induce every year (be sure you talk to your doctor about his/her policies in this regard as well, so that you know you will be allowed ample opportunity to delivery before he recommends an induction).

Ask whether your hospital or facility is a teaching hospital where you may have students or residents treating you. If so, and if you are not comfortable with this, find out if you can refuse treatment by students and residents and how to do that, if necessary.

And ask how you will have to request a second opinion if you need one. What devices does your hospital use to monitor your labor and your baby’s progress during labor? Does this facility use continuous electronic fetal monitoring? If don't want this monitoring on a continuous basis, do you have the option of periodic monitoring?
If you are uncomfortable during labor and wish to refuse a pelvic exam, can you do so?

Does the birthing center or maternity wing have an obstetrical anesthesiologist on call in case you need one? Can you make an appointment to talk to an anesthesiologist before you go into labor so that you understand your options for pain medication and what will happen if you need a C-section?

Be sure you ask the anesthesiologist to explain the use of an epidural. What is it, how is it administered and how will it effect you during and after delivery? When is the epidural administered during labor? Is it always effective?

Talk to the staff and the anesthesiologist about the procedures for C-sections. How and when will the decision be made? Will your labor coach or partner be allowed to stay in the operating room with you?

Where is the procedure performed? Can you see the room in advance so you know what to expect? Where will you be moved after surgery and how long will stay in the recovery area? What kind of medication will they give you for pain?

Will you have IVs or a catheter and if so, when will they be removed? How will this procedure effect your ability to nurse and take care of your baby?

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