Questions to Ask When Visiting a Maternity Hospital for the First Time

Choosing the right maternity hospital is a pivotal moment in your pregnancy journey. It’s where you’ll meet your baby for the first time, so naturally, you want to feel confident in your choice. Visiting a hospital can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to ask the questions that matter most to you. With the right preparation, you can turn this visit into a meaningful step towards a safe, supportive, and empowering birth experience.

What Kind of Questions Are We Talking About?

The questions you should ask cover multiple aspects of maternity care. These include logistical details, medical policies, and the overall birthing environment. The goal is to ensure the hospital aligns with your expectations and provides the care you need for a safe and comfortable experience.

Think about these broad categories – 

• Hospital Procedures: Prenatal care and birth plans
• Labour and Delivery Options: Available facilities and support for normal births, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), or water births
• Postpartum Care: Recovery facilities, lactation support, and rooming-in policies
• Baby Care: Neonatal care, policies on skin-to-skin bonding, and breastfeeding support
• Emergency Preparedness: Availability of emergency C-sections or neonatal intensive care

How to Prepare for Your Visit

A little preparation goes a long way in making your visit effective – 

• Research the Hospital: Look up reviews online and note any unique services they offer, such as water births or midwifery-led care
• Know Your Priorities: Are you looking for a hospital with normal birth options? Or one with a high-tech neonatal intensive care unit? Define what matters most to you
• Make a Checklist: Write down your questions to ensure you cover all aspects during your visit
• Bring Your Partner: A second perspective can help you make better decisions
• Take Notes: Record key points discussed during the visit for future reference

Questions to Ask the Doctors

For convenience, here’s a list of questions to guide your discussions – 

Prenatal hospital procedures

• Could you describe your routine prenatal care?
• What scans and medications do you recommend?
• What’s the process for sharing my birth plan with the hospital staff?

Labour and Delivery

• What types of birth options are supported here (normal birth, water birth, VBAC, etc.)?
• Are there labour aids like birthing balls, squat bars, or tubs?
• Can I move around during labour, or will monitoring limit mobility?
• Who will be present during the delivery (doctors, midwives, nurses)?

Pain Management

• What pain relief options are available?
• Is an anaesthesiologist on-site 24/7?
• Are there non-medicinal pain relief options like massage or aromatherapy?

Emergency Care

• What’s the hospital’s C-section rate?
• In case of emergencies, how quickly can a C-section be performed?
• Does the hospital have a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)? What level of care does it provide?

Postpartum Care

• Are recovery rooms private or shared?
• What postpartum care supplies are provided by the hospital?
• Are lactation consultants available to help with breastfeeding?
• What is the typical length of stay for vaginal and C-section deliveries?

Baby Care

• Will my baby room-in with me, or is there a nursery option?
• How soon can I see my baby if they need to go to the NICU?

Practical Details

• Can I bring outside food, or are meals provided?
• Are birthing and parenting classes available?

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Questions!

Asking questions isn’t only about clearing doubts – it’s about feeling confident and in control. When you know what to expect, it’s easier to trust the care you’ll receive and feel prepared for the journey ahead.

To ensure you don’t overlook anything, break your questions into simple categories like labour, postpartum care, and baby care. Don’t shy away from asking staff for extra details – they might share insights you hadn’t thought of. 

What Next?

After your hospital visit, take some time to reflect on your experience. Compare the options available, considering how well each hospital meets your needs. If any questions linger, don’t hesitate to follow up for clarity. Once confident, make the choice that feels right for you and your baby.

Looking for exceptional maternity care in Bangalore? Aastrika Midwifery Centre is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more!