Maternity Care

And you will need your energy and focus to attend to your labor and delivery. 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).

We'll give you some details about drafting a birth plan in a minute.

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.

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
	Hide my email
*Comments:
*

Pregnancy Menu

Home
Friends
Contact Us
Site Map

Pregnancy Articles