This is a list of some important things to think about when choosing a provider and a hospital. The provider has to follow hospital procedures and protocols, so it's important to find a hospital that has procedures and protocols that you feel comfortable with. If any of these things are of high importance, it is important to ask about them now, rather than finding out at 37 weeks when (and if) you do hand them your list of preferences (I don’t like to use the term “plan”, because things may not always go that way.
Environment
Some hospitals allow you to labor in your own clothes. I did when I had my daughter and no, it’s not that gross. Other than where they placed her on my chest, there was nothing wrecked about by awesome, comfy gown.
Do they allow you to adjust the lights, have candles, close doors, etc?
Do they allow you to play music?
Support
Do you want your birth partner there at all times and can you have family and friends in the room while you labor (if you want of course)?
Are doulas allowed?
Is the place midwife friendly?
Is the place midwife friendly?
Mobility
Are you allowed to move freely?
Can you labor in the tub/shower?
Are IV’s standard?
Vaginal Exams
Can you have vaginal exams limited?
Food and Fluid
Can you eat and drink as much as you would like? What are their rules for this?
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Does the hospital/practice allow intermittent fetal monitoring?
Induction
Ask the provider about their induction rates.
Ask the provider about their rates of breaking your bag of waters.
Ask your provider if they support natural methods of induction (ie: herbs, acupressure, etc)
Pain Relief
Ask them their rates of natural (drug free) deliveries.
Ask them their epidural rate (some doctors have rates of 90 %!!)
Positions
Are they supportive of changing positions throughout your labor?
Do they have squat bars that are readily available to use?
Do they have birthing balls?
Pushing
Will they allow spontaneous bearing down?
Do they have a time limit for pushing?
Perineum
What is their episiotomy rate? Do they automatically do one?
Would they be willing to do warm compresses and massages on the perineum?
Birth
Do you want your baby placed on your chest immediately?
Newborn Care
Can you hold off on tests, shots, weight, etc. until later?
Can you sign a waiver form if you wish to not do tests, shots, etc.?
Does the hospital promote ‘rooming in”?
Remember, this is your birth. Although it may not go as “planned”, you should still decide on your preferences and choose a birth place/provider accordingly. Many women shop and research about many baby items such as cribs, strollers, etc., but how many women shop and research their care providers? The birth is the most important event! If you decide you want certain things, only to find out your care provider doesn’t mesh with your ideas at 38 weeks, that wouldn’t really help your chances of having the birth you want. Happy provider and birth place shopping to all!
This list was summarized from “Your Best Birth” by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein (An AMAZING read!).
