Are you getting ready for your baby's big debut? There are lots of things to remember, but iVillage Expecting Club members have made it easier by sharing the questions they asked on their hospital tours. Print the list and take it with you on your visit!
GETTING READY
What is the hospital's address?
Where is the front entrance?
Where do we park on delivery day?
Do we check into the ER or go straight to Labor and Delivery after hours?
What is the procedure for checking in?
Can we preregister?
How many people are allowed into the labor and delivery room?
Where is the nursery?
What security measures are in place for the maternity ward?
Are there security armbands?
How do you identify the people who are allowed to take the baby?
What are the hospital's policies on pacifiers, formula and sugar water?
What are the visiting hours?
Where is the cafeteria?
What is the process for ordering food?
Where is the snack machine?
(Take note of the temperature.) Will I need to pack layers?
GIVING BIRTH
What is the hospital's policy for constant electronic fetal monitoring?
What is the hospital's policy for having food or drinks during labor?
What is the hospital's policy in regards to walking around during labor?
What is the hospital's IV policy?
What are my labor options?
Are there tubs or showers that I can labor in?
Are there telemetry monitors?
Are walking epidurals offered?
Is there a doula or anesthesiologist on staff?
What other amenities are available?
What are the hospital's epidural and c-section rates?
What is the hospital's NICU level?
What are the hospital's rooming-in policies and procedures?
When will my baby be taken out of the room?
Are there private rooms available?
What do the labor rooms look like?
Where are the triage rooms?
What hospital will we be transferred to in case of an emergency?
Can cell phones be used in the delivery room? Do we need a calling card?
When will they give my baby eye ointment and vitamin K shots?
WELCOMING BABY
Where should visitors park after my baby is born?
Are video cameras allowed during before, during or after birth?
If I want to shower or have time alone, can my baby go to the nursery?
When will we move to a recovery room? What do those rooms look like?
Is there a lactation consultant on staff?
When do you do car-seat checks?
What is the checkout procedure?
Read what iVillage moms asked on their
hospital tours, and share your own questions.
Join an Expecting Club and talk to other women
due in your month! Create a personalized
birth plan and share it with your care provider
and birth partner to keep everyone in the know
on "D-day."
