hospital tour tonight!

CalinsBride · February 2009

I'm deciding between two hospitals still, but almost positive I'll go with this one. What are some questions you would ask? I am nervous about if they'll let the baby room with me right away after a c-section, if DH is allowed in for a c-section, if all labour rooms have tubs I can use. . .any other ideas?

mrsg052904 · February 2009

I had a list of tons of questions... they answered most of these during the actual tour, I only had to ask a handful. Good luck!

BASIC INFO:

1. Where do we park on delivery day?

2. When we arrive, do we need to check in at the front desk, or go straight to the maternity ward?

3. What is the procedure for checking in?

4. Can we preregister? If so, when, how?

5. What are the visiting hours?

6. Where is the cafeteria?

7. What is the process for ordering food (after delivery)?

8. Where is the snack machine?

GIVING BIRTH:

*Take note of the temperature. Will I need to pack layers?

1. Is the hospital a teaching hospital? If so, what procedures are done by the attending vs. the residents? Can I request that certain procedures are done by the attending? For example, epidural and circumcision.

2. What happens if all of your birthing rooms are taken?

3. What is the hospital's policy:

a. For constant electronic fetal monitoring?

b. For having food or drinks during labor?

c. In regards to walking around during labor?

d. IV policy?

4. Are there tubs or showers that I can labor in?

5. Are walking epidurals offered?

6. If there is an emergency, will I be transferred to another hospital?

7. Can cell phones be used in the delivery room? Do we need a calling card?

8. Are cameras and video cameras allowed during before, during or after birth?

BREASTFEEDING:

1. I want to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. What is the hospital?s policy?

2. How do I communicate to nurses that I don?t want them to give my baby a bottle? How is this handled in the event of a c-section?

3. What are the hospital's policies on pacifiers, formula and sugar water? I do NOT want the hospital to give formula or sugar water.

4. What sort of breastfeeding support is offered? How does it work? Is there a lactation consultant on staff?

AFTER DELIVERY:

1. Will my baby be placed on my chest directly after birth? (this is only if you want him to be as some hospitals/docs take the baby, clean them, etc. before you get to hold them)

2. When will we move to a recovery room? What do those rooms look like?

3. What security measures are in place for the maternity ward? Are there security armbands? How do you identify the people who are allowed to take the baby?

4. Where is the nursery?

5. What is the hospital's NICU level?

6. Are all your postpartum rooms private? Will I ever be moved from my room? Will my insurance cover it?

7. Can daddy stay the night?

8. Where should visitors park after my baby is born?

9. Will baby be able to stay in my room the whole time?

10. If I want to shower or have time alone, can my baby go to the nursery?

11. When do you do car-seat checks?

12. What is the checkout procedure?

13. How long will I be allowed to stay in the hospital after a normal birth? After a caesarean delivery?

14. Does the hospital offer aftercare visits from nurses or nurses' aids once we return home? Do you offer any special classes or support groups for new parents?

15. Is there a UPS or FedEx box for mailing our baby's cord blood packet if we elect to have that done?