- Are the labour rooms private or shared? If shared, is it possible to get a private room? Does it cost extra?
- Does the hospital or facility have lactation consultants on staff? What about breastfeeding classes for new moms?
- Will I be moved to a different room post-delivery? Is the room shared or private? If shared, is it possible to get a private room? Does it cost extra?
- What's the C-section rate at this facility?
- Are the C-section rates different from doctors to midwives?
- What's the rate of unmedicated, natural births at this hospital?
- What's the rate of various intervention procedures? (epidurals, narcotics, Pitocin, forceps and vacuums?)
- Outside of my family caregivers, who will be in the delivery room with me?
- Is this a teaching hospital? If so, are others allowed to watch the delivery? Can I opt out of that if I want to?
- How long is the average labour time for this facility?
- Will you honour my birth plan if I write one?
- What is this facility's policy regarding episiotomy?
- What happens if my baby is in distress and requires NICU attention? Will they be transferred to another facility?
- What kind of fetal monitors do you have? Am I expected to wear the fetal monitor the whole time?
- What is cord blood banking? Does the hospital have a facility for cord blood storage?
- Do you allow photography and videography during the birth?
- Does the hospital have a breast pump that first time moms use during their stay?
- Does the hospital supplement with formula?
- Are partners allowed to stay overnight with new moms?
- What are the visiting hours and policies once the baby is born? Are children allowed to visit?
- Do you have a minimum age or maximum number of visitors?
- How do I complete the paperwork to obtain my baby’s birth certificate?
- Is there any paperwork I can complete ahead of my delivery?
- What, if anything, needs to be done before the baby can be released for home? (eg. some hospitals require proof of a properly installed car seat.)
- Is there a set time for discharge?
- Can I eat and drink during labour?
- Will I be allowed to walk during labour? Will I be allowed to walk around the halls?
- Do you provide a birthing stool? What birthing tools do you have available (i.e. birth ball, stool, bar, etc)?
- Is there a place to shower and/or take a bath? Is that allowed?
- Can I give birth in the bath if I feel compelled to?
- What is an epidural? What are the side effects of having one? How long will I have to wait for an epidural?
- Can I wear my own dressing gown or pyjamas during labor?
- Is an IV required during labor? Is a hep-lock (keeps an IV bag up) an option?
- What happens in the event that I require a C-section? Will the room change? How many people will be allowed in?
- Do you have a time limit on how quickly labor must progress before interventions are required (ex. 1 cm per hour)?
- What are the standard procedures for newborns immediately following birth? Which ones can you opt out of?
- What are my choices when it comes to cutting the umbilical cord? Is delayed cutting an option? Who cuts it? Can my partner cut it?
- Will the baby be taken from me for cleaning and examination? If so, can I decide when?
- When does the baby receive their vitamin K shot and erythromycin eye ointment? Are these treatments mandatory?
- Is skin-to-skin contact immediately following the birth the norm?
Happy pushing!
Christine Musick