During pregnancy, there are so many details to take care of, so many concerns before the baby is born, and among them all, one of great importance is choosing the maternity hospital where your little one will be born.

But how do you choose a maternity hospital? What should I look for? For mothers who do not yet know which path to take, we will give some tips so that you can find what you want and have your baby in the place of your choice.

Safety for the Mother

Just like during prenatal care, your choice of which obstetrician will accompany your pregnancy must prevail. Feeling safe is essential to have a calm, healthy, and uneventful pregnancy, and it’s the same when choosing the maternity hospital.

That’s why do not leave this decision until the end of your pregnancy, and start your visits well in advance. Getting recommendations for maternity hospitals where your friends had their babies is also a good idea, since what is highly recommended may be good for you too—but it should be checked!

The second step is to check which maternity hospitals are covered by your health insurance and, if you are delivering with your prenatal obstetrician, which hospitals they are affiliated with—your doctor can even provide you with a list of options.

For those who are being followed through SUS, you can request the options of maternity hospitals in your area, but usually you will be referred to the nearest one.

For those who do not have health insurance and want to pay for a private birth, talk to the doctor of your choice about the options where they can assist you and request a quote for each place, since each hospital generally charges different rates—this way, you can choose the ideal maternity hospital.

You’ve got your list of recommendations—now what? Now it’s time to schedule visits to get to know the place where your baby will likely be born. Keep in mind that a beautiful building with good amenities doesn’t always mean you’ll get good care for yourself and your baby, especially in an emergency. That’s why you should discuss this with your doctor as well, as they are best positioned to inform you if the maternity hospital is equipped to assist you in more unusual situations.

What to Check During the Maternity Hospital Visit?

With your list of maternity hospitals in hand, you can look up the website of each one. Usually, these websites provide all information concerning regulatory compliance with official bodies as well as details about quality certifications like ISO and ONA3, which attest to the credibility and trustworthiness of the establishment.

Route

Check the quickest route to the maternity hospital and how long it takes to get there during rush hour, when the car traffic is much heavier and traffic jams are inevitable.

After all, imagine being in labor and having to cross the whole city with traffic in chaos and nothing you can do! Using common sense at this point is very important! Call the maternity hospital and schedule your visit! Invite the father to visit the place as well and share his opinion—visiting the maternity hospital in person makes all the difference.

Usually, maternity hospitals have a team available by appointment to show you around and present the facilities, informing you about their equipment, accommodations, and even the nursery.

Questions

Clear up all your doubts, ask anything you feel is necessary so you’ll leave feeling well-informed about the place and can compare it to other maternity hospitals you visit before finally choosing the ideal one.

During the visit, see if the maternity hospital offers what you’re looking for—including, in the case of a vaginal birth, if they have a room suitable for women to be supported during labor. Some maternity hospitals offer what’s known as a Delivery Room, which may have a bathtub for use during labor and birth, a birthing ball, and ambient music. Also ask about companions, and if you wish to have a doula, check the rules, as some maternity hospitals only allow one companion, usually the father.

Accommodations and Companion

In the rooms, check how the accommodations are and, if companions are allowed, whether they provide a bed or armchair where your companion can sleep or rest. Examine the bathroom in the room as well as other hospital comforts, since you will be hospitalized for an average of 2 to 3 days until discharge.

Also check how the care of the baby is handled, since in some maternity hospitals the baby stays in the room with the mother the whole time, regardless of whether you had a cesarean or a vaginal birth. In others, prioritizing the mother’s recovery, the baby stays in the nursery most of the time and only returns to the room for breastfeeding.

One situation we don’t usually consider—nor wish for—is the need to use the ICU or emergency sector of the maternity hospital. But it’s necessary to know if, in an emergency, there will be a team and a suitable facility to care for you or even your baby, with all the necessary equipment and resources for immediate top-quality care.

Neonatal ICU

Confirm the existence of and visit the neonatal ICU, so in case of need after birth, you know your baby will receive proper care in their first hours of life.

If the maternity hospital does not have a Neonatal ICU, in case of need, your baby may have to be transferred elsewhere, so it is extremely important to know this before making your decision and choosing the maternity hospital.

Choosing the ideal maternity hospital will not be an easy task, and you should not make the decision after just the first visit. Go to all the hospitals on your list, ask everything you want to know, and review all the possibilities before coming to your final decision.

Don’t be won over by the five-star resort look of some maternity hospitals, after all, what you need right now isn’t luxury, but proper, respectful care and a safe place to give birth.

See Also: Hospital Bag – What to Pack for the Baby

Photos: Lu Lacerda, Haroldo Trombetta