(Newswire.net — January 27, 2018) — There’s a lot for expectant mothers and first-time parents to think about when it comes to preparing for the birth of a child. From work-related logistics and childcare planning to transforming the spare bedroom into a nursery, there’s plenty to keep you up at night. One thing that should not keep you awake, though, is the fear of delivery. Having a plan for delivery will put your mind at ease and allow you to embrace the experience when it arrives.
5 Factors to Consider
A lot of mothers like to develop birth plans, which is just a fancy phrase for your preferences on delivery day. While it’s easy to get caught up in all of the minor details and logistical planning, there are really only a few issues that matter. Most important is likely the hospital you choose for the delivery of your child.
When choosing a hospital, there are plenty of factors to consider. Let’s check out the most relevant ones to help you make an educated decision.
1. Start With the Doctor
Honestly, the best place to start is with your doctor. You want to find a doctor who you’re comfortable with and then find out where they deliver. While some deliver at multiple locations, many doctors stick to a specific hospital.
It’s always possible that the doctor you select won’t be on call during your delivery, but you should plan like he/she will be.
2. Review the Statistics and Ratings
Like any other business, hospitals – and maternity wards, in particular – get rated and reviewed by official accrediting organizations and various unofficial publications. Since health and safety are of paramount concern, take some time to review these statistics and see how different hospitals compare to one another.
Unfortunately, birth injuries do happen and are often the result of preventable medical errors. You want to make sure you’re working with a facility that has a low rate of birth injuries and minimal reports or medical errors before, during, and after delivery.
3. Consider Location
If safety comes first, convenience certainly comes second. If you have the choice of delivering at a hospital that’s 10 minutes away, versus 35 minutes away, there are a lot of advantages that come with selecting the closer option. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it could mean the difference between a safe and high-risk delivery in a situation where it comes down to precious minutes.
4. Verify Insurance Coverage
This probably isn’t going to be an issue if you have standard insurance, but you do need to think about your plan and whether certain hospitals are considered “in-network.” Assuming that you’re only considering hospitals that are (a) reputable and (b) nearby, this probably won’t be a factor.
5. Think About Your Philosophy
If you have a certain childbirth philosophy – such as a specific birth plan – then you’ll want to consider this when vetting different hospitals.
The Bump’s Arielle Dollinger suggests working through questions like, “Are there special rooms for natural birth options, including water birth? Are there lactation consultants on-site to help with breastfeeding soon after delivery? How does the hospital support women who want—or don’t want—an epidural?”
The answers to questions like these may not “make or break” things, but they’ll at least provide you with an accurate picture of the hospital.
What Makes You Comfortable?
It’s up to you to compare and contrast the pros and cons from different hospitals and facilities. It can all be a bit overwhelming, but don’t stress over the minor details.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes you comfortable. Which hospital puts your mind at ease and allows you to focus on a safe, healthy delivery? That’s the hospital you should choose.