Questions to Ask on a Hospital Maternity Tour

As your due date draws near, there are many details that need attention. The hospital where you deliver probably offers tours to expectant parents to provide information about the facilities. By taking a tour, you can see the unit and have a chance to ask questions about hospital policies and procedures.

  1. Prior to Birth

    • Hospitals typically offer various classes for expectant parents, including prenatal classes, childbirth classes and parenting classes. Ask what classes are offered and when, and find out the costs. Insurance may cover the cost of some classes, so check with your insurance company about coverage, if applicable. Find out the hospital̵7;s policy about preregistering and get details about how to do that.

    Arrival at Hospital

    • Inquire about a standard packing list so you know what to bring and what to leave home. For example, some hospitals provide basic toiletry items and recommend that new mothers wear only hospital gowns during the postpartum stay. Ask what you should do when you think you are in labor so you understand the procedure. Find out where to go during both business hours and after hours ̵1; the arrival procedure generally changes after the main hospital entrance closes for the night. Also, check on parking areas and costs.

    Care Options

    • Find out about birthing options available at the hospital. If you have a birthing plan, ask how the hospital would handle such specific requests as water birth and natural labor. Ask about pain relief options, whether you can have additional guests present at the birth, which medical personnel will provide care for you and your baby and what type of care and birth options are available for low-risk and high-risk births. Ask to see examples of rooms you may stay in during your hospitalization. Check the hospital̵7;s policies and procedures about Cesarean section births.

    After the Birth

    • Learn about hospital policies during the postpartum period. Ask how the hospital cares for the baby ̵1; whether the baby rooms in with the mother or spends part of the day or night in the hospital nursery. Ask which medical personnel will see and care for the baby during the hospital stay. Check on the hospital̵7;s special care services if the baby or you needs special intervention after the birth. Ask about visitor policies, including age limits, the number of visitors allowed at one time and visiting hours. Ask about hospital security measures to protect the baby from abduction and from accidental mix-ups. Find out the standard length of the postpartum stay and get the details on hospital discharge.

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