Providers & Facilities (pt. 2): Choosing a Birthing Location

Now that you’ve identified your provider, let’s discuss facilities. We understand that entering into a relationship can lead to the outcome of a pregnancy and growing family. We even plan for it (or sometimes don’t), at times going to great lengths to shape the journey into parenthood. However, one of the facets of expanding your family that sometimes go overlooked when planning is choosing a birth facility. Some laboring individuals are not that picky about the details, while others are much more assertive in defining what their birth experience looks like. Maybe you’ve always known exactly where and how you’ve wanted to give birth. Or, you may fall into the category of those who have never given it any thought.

When you imagine giving birth, what requirements come to mind? How do you see yourself giving birth? Are there any certain images or scents that come to mind?

Planning for labor and delivery is a crucial and sometimes tedious part of the pregnancy process. There are numerous questions to be asked about the birthing location, all of which are directed at seeing how well your planned birthing facility fits your needs/wants? There is nothing wrong with taking the time to ensure that the location of your child’s birth, where the growth of your family begins takes place in a location where you feel most comfortable.

For more examples of questions to ask, please see below. I also highly encourage you to schedule a tour before committing to giving birth in any facility.

Can I eat during labor?

How soon after delivery can you go home?

What insurances are accepted? Do they have alternative payment options?

VBACs allowed?

When birthing aids are on hand? Am I allowed to bring my own?

Delayed cord clamping policy?

Induction rate?

Allow photo/video?

Fetal Monitoring policy – intermittent or continuous?

Time limit on second stage of labor?

% of episiotomies?

(If applicable) We’re not a traditional family; will we feel accepted?

**For my Delawareans: I’ve put together a spreadsheet of the major hospitals and birthing centers in Delaware, where you’ll be able to compare their amenities. I will be attaching a copy of it shortly!

Here is the link to the Google doc I created for the birthing facilities in Delaware: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16xRTQv2EvCkRhcA2kE6KgD2mfRBpEoOl/view?usp=sharing