Maternity care on offer
You can ask your doctor, antenatal clinic, social worker, and friends what they know about the maternity care in your area. But really the only way to find out what a hospital or maternity unit can provide and whether it's right for you is to go and have a good look round for yourself and ask questions.
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There may, of course, be only one hospital or unit in your area, but if you do have a choice, make sure you get satisfactory answers so that you can feel happy and confident about the hospital you choose.
Types of maternity care
In recent years there has been great pressure for change in hospital maternity care, and there are now increasing numbers of midwifery-led units for low-risk births and fewer, but larger, maternity units. Midwifery-led units may be attached to a maternity unit or at a separate location. Epidurals or any other form of interventions (syntocinon drip for slow labour, ventouse, or Caesarean delivery, for example) are not available and if there are problems you would need to be transferred to your nearest maternity unit. Always discuss your preferences with your GP or midwife and remember you have the right to choose where you receive your care.
Visiting hospitals
If you can, tour one or more hospitals with your partner before making your final choice. Most maternity units give a formal tour, sometimes as part of general antenatal preparation classes, otherwise as part of the general welcome made to mothers booking in. Find out about when these tours take place and ask if you can join one before you book in.
Getting to know your hospital
Hospitals can be intimidating, but usually seem less so when you get to know them. Try to visit the hospital of your choice at least once, more if possible. The more time you have to walk around, the more familiar you'll become with the surroundings so you're more relaxed when the big day comes. It's best if you and your partner do this together so that you both get to know the place and the people and will feel confident when you are actually there for the birth itself. Remember, though, that security considerations mean that postnatal wards and maternity units are now carefully monitored, so don't try to visit without an appointment. Any unannounced visitors are likely to be challenged.
It's a good idea for you and your partner to have a look around the outside of the hospital and find the night entrance. Having to search for the entrance in the dark is the last thing you need when you're in labour.
Changing your hospital
If you do have problems and you find that your hospital is not meeting your expectations, you don't have to abandon the system altogether. A hospital is there to serve you; health care is a consumer issue and you do have the right to refuse certain procedures. If you're very unhappy with any aspect of the care, you can arrange to be transferred.
You could also try getting in touch with the head of the clinic or your obstetrician and explain your feelings and what you think is wrong. If you find a sympathetic obstetrician you get on with, you may change your mind about leaving, although it's unlikely that he or she will be there for your delivery. If you feel you must change hospitals, your obstetrician will almost certainly recommend another doctor at a centre of your choice.
Birthing rooms on offer
Most hospitals should have birthing rooms available. These are unclinical and more like your own home, with comfortable chairs, low lighting, soft music, piles of cushions, and drinks and snacks on hand.
The whole aim of a birthing room is to help you relax, overcome fears, and relieve tension. A normal routine before the birth makes for a normal delivery, and once you're in a birthing room you won't be moved unless there's an emergency that needs immediate attention. There shouldn't be any sudden changes in movement, mood, and surroundings. You won't have to lie down to have your baby and you don't need to be surrounded by rather intimidating technological equipment. In a birthing room you can take up whatever position you want for the birth of your baby.
For many women, a birthing room provides the ideal compromise between home and hospital births. It offers comfortable surroundings and facilities, but with emergency expertise on tap if you need it.
Posted 16.11.2010
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