Questions for your hospital visit

As part of the antenatal build-up to the delivery of your baby, you may be offered a tour of the hospital. It's an opportunity well worth taking - and make sure you take your birth partner with you.

Not only will you be able to see first-hand where you are likely to give birth, but you'll also get the chance to ask questions.

Not sure what to ask? Think about the following:

• parking procedures, shopping and catering arrangements
• admissions procedures - who to call, where should you report to
• what to bring, and what you're not allowed to bring
• what to bring for your newborn baby
  
• visiting hours, numbers of visitors allowed
• are private rooms available? Do you have to pay for them?
• number of beds per ward
• are babies kept next to mums?
• how the hospital deals with birth plans
• what is the hospital policy on inductions: when might they decide to induce?
• number of babies born, intervention and Caesarean rates
• who will deliver your baby?
• availability of birthing pools
• shower/washing facilities
• types of pain relief available. Can you use natural remedies during labour, can you bring a complementary therapist?
• what type of fetal monitoring do they use?
• what happens to you and your baby after the birth
• what support is available for breastfeeding?
• ask to see the special-care baby unit. What will happen if your baby needs special care?
• what is the procedure if you need a Caesarean?

Taken from Pregnancy & Birth, The Essential Checklist, DK £8.99. Published November 1, 2009

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