I call my doc office, push "4" to speak to an advice nurse, or "0" if I think I am in labor. The "0" puts me straight thru to the on-call midwife at the hospital. I have no idea what I would do if I needed to call L&D directly.
I was told to call the doctor first. They will call the hospital next. If you are pre-registered, which is a smart idea, all you have to do is head up stairs and they will be expecting you.
If I want to talk to the on-call doctor for my office I call their regular number and will be connected to the on-call cell phone. If I don't get a hold of anyone (usually because they're delivering) I can call the hospital directly. My doctors office only delivers at one hospital so that's easy.
Re: Really stupid ?
This, except they don't connect me to L&D, they'll just send me.