In 2001 October, we moved to the US for my husband’s job. In January 2002, I came to know about my pregnancy. I still remember the time when I was expecting my first one and we had no clue about who to ask, and which hospital to choose or which doctor to choose for labour and delivery.
Finally, we zeroed in on a good hospital after a lot of research from our friends. Most of them had a good experience with that hospital. I had a normal delivery with both my daughters and luckily it was all smooth but it’s always not this easy.
It can be a confusing time for parents as they want to choose the best hospital and the best doctor for these 9 months and after that too. Pregnancy and childbirth are the most amazing experience. It can be challenging or you might feel it’s like a roller coaster ride but there is no experience like this one.
I am sharing a few points with you which can help you to make a wise decision-
- Ask for references– First of all, do your research. It is always better to do your research and then finalise. Ask your family and friends for references and their experiences. You can also check for reviews on various online forums.
- Proximity- Next step is to check the distance of the finalised hospitals from your home. It should not be too far from your place as convenience matters a lot when it comes to you and your baby.
- Visit the hospital– After you find a hospital which has good recommendations and is not very far from your place, the next step is to visit the hospital. You can also ask the hospital staff to give you a tour of their hospital. They can arrange for a small guided tour of the maternity ward, delivery room, and all the labour and delivery related places.
- Doctors Credentials– Now when you finalised the hospital, it’s time to choose a gynaecologist. Ask for a doctors list who handle pregnancy, labour, and delivery in the hospital. Always check the doctor’s credentials and his experience in handling all kinds of cases.
- Normal vs C-section– The number of Caesarean deliveries has risen in the last few years as compared to earlier times. We hear a lot of stories about moms who had an unexpected C-section and were unprepared for it. The problem is that many hospitals or doctors do not guide you properly about both the procedures. Do not go for a planned C-section until and unless it’s very important. When you are checking the right hospital for pregnancy and delivery or a doctor, you can always check about their normal delivery to C-section rate.
- Ability to handle emergencies– The hospital should be prepared to handle all the pregnancy and labour related emergencies. Ask if they have a 24/7 service available to handle emergency situations.
- After birth-This is another very important point which should not be missed. Find out if they provide an in-house paediatrician immediately after the birth or not. Most hospitals have in-house paediatricians and it’s important to choose one beforehand. Also find out about the baby-related nursery, neonatal centre, nursing/lactation guide, and all other specialists to take care of the baby in case of an emergency situation.
- Budget- Make sure to ask about the finances and the total cost of delivery and aftercare. Ask about medical insurance policies of the hospital too. It’s always better to clarify all the money related matters beforehand. You don’t want to make a decision and regret later.
- Visitors– You can check with the hospital about the policies related to the visitors. Sometimes they don’t allow people to stay at night, so, it’s better to check if they will allow your husband to stay at night or not. According to the policies, you can inform your family and friends too who want to visit you at the hospital after the delivery.
- Medical procedures– It is always better to find out about the following things-
- Ratio of a normal delivery to C-sections performed in the hospital
- The number of cases with epidurals, inductions or other such birth related things.
- If it’s your second pregnancy, it’s always better to ask about VBAC or vaginal birth after caesarean. There are a few good hospitals which perform successful VBAC and are breaking the myth – Once a C-section, always a C-section.
One such hospital which is famous for normal deliveries and also for VBAC is Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi.
The Maternity Program at this hospital provides all-inclusive care for pregnant women and their families. I came to know about this hospital through one of my relative who normally delivered after VBAC. At Sitaram Bhartia, you will be supported by an in-house team of Gynaecologists who will be around to guide and support you at each step of your pregnancy. They also have antenatal classes which prepare you for your pregnancy, labour and delivery.
Doctors and Gynaecologist at the Hospital
The highlights of the hospital-
- One of the lowest caesarean rate.
- Experienced and highly qualified gynaecologists.
- Highly trained labour room nurses.
- 24 Hours speciality doctors for your safety.
- You can schedule a visit to the hospital and see for yourself.
Antenatal class at the hospital
A good hospital and a good doctor makes all the difference. So, make a wise decision. Choose right hospital for pregnancy and delivery.
Disclaimer- This is a sponsored post but all the thoughts are my own after visiting the hospital. All decisions should be taken only after checking it with a professional.
September 20, 2017 at 12:45 am
Informative Deepa
September 20, 2017 at 9:46 am
Thanks Ila
September 20, 2017 at 6:38 am
This is tough decision to make. I think word of mouth recommendations are the most important – both of the hospital as well as that of the doctor.
September 20, 2017 at 9:47 am
Yes. Word of mouth really helps. Thanks Tulika.
September 20, 2017 at 9:56 am
The right hospital ensures that the to be mother and child are in the right hands. Very informative post, Deepa.
September 20, 2017 at 11:06 am
Thanks Mayuri
September 20, 2017 at 10:24 am
Very informative post Deepa, I like the idea orf antenatal classes
September 20, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Thanks Tina
September 20, 2017 at 11:54 pm
I chose two different hospitals for my two deliveries and choosing something closer to home and the one who promised me a private room, made a life of a difference in my pregnancy and delivery. So yes, the right hospital makes a huge difference.
September 21, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Thanks Prerna.
September 22, 2017 at 12:27 am
That’s quite an informative post for expecting moms. I had kept almost all these points in consideration while choosing my hospital.
September 22, 2017 at 1:40 am
That’s an informative post and all the points you mentioned are a must to consider while choosing the hospital. Must read for all expecting parents!
September 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Thanks Neha
September 22, 2017 at 12:20 pm
The list is just perfect. i remember making this note while i was expecting. a good hospital is a key to have a safe delivery!
September 22, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Yes, the right hospital and staff can make all the difference. Thankyou for writing such an informative post. This details everything a to-be mom needs to know when selecting her birthing place.
September 22, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Thank you Ophira
September 22, 2017 at 5:04 pm
This is a really important decision. The hospital and doctor you choose will play a huge role in shaping your pregnancy and delivery journey. Very informative for expecting parents.
September 22, 2017 at 6:32 pm
Thanks Mahak
September 23, 2017 at 2:12 am
Such an informative post. I am sharing this all across. I wish I knew about this place earlier. I did have a great pregnancy and beautiful delivery experience of course. But it helps to know there is a specialized place like this.
September 23, 2017 at 10:43 pm
Thanks Nayantara
September 23, 2017 at 2:46 am
All the points made are very valid. Thanks for this exhaustive list of reference points for to-be-mothers before they finalise the hospital for their delivery.
September 23, 2017 at 10:43 pm
Thanks Anupriya
September 23, 2017 at 11:27 am
Very informative post Deepa, I suffered during my tenure for proximity and had to shift doctor as well as hospital mid term for better care and procedures. Most important lesson I learned from my time is – Doctor’s testimonials – word of mouth and experience plus the facilities.
Great post, glad to see we have such developed facilities now.
September 23, 2017 at 10:43 pm
Thanks Dipika
September 23, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Ability to handle emergencies is so important. Informative post for moms-to-be.
September 24, 2017 at 12:51 am
Thank you
September 23, 2017 at 6:48 pm
SRB is a great hospital, ten years back my mum got her surgery done there. I loved the care and the guidance she got, from Dr. V.L Bhargav
September 23, 2017 at 10:23 pm
This is quite useful for the expecting mums to get familiar with choosing the hospital accordingly
September 23, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Yeah we shud do research fr the hospital , aftr all its nt just matter of normal delivery….its all about giving birth to new life either normal or c-section bt safely…..
September 26, 2017 at 12:11 am
Thanks
September 24, 2017 at 12:18 am
Those are some brilliant points. I remember changing my hospital a night before delivery
September 24, 2017 at 12:19 am
relevant pointers!
September 25, 2017 at 7:14 am
All the points mentioned above are so right. I also find word-of-mouth very important in deciding the right hospital.
September 25, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Thanks Neha