Picking a hospital to deliver at...

Hi everyone,

I am a first time mom having mono/di girls. I currently do not have any signs of ttts, but know that this is something that can spring up at any moment. I asked my OB some delivery questions today and I don't know what should be important in choosing a hospital. Could anyone give me some elements that make delivery nicer, safer, happier etc?

Thanks!

 

One thing that my OB wanted me to consider was the level of NICU that the hospital had. I have delivered both my children at one particular hospital and wanted to do the same but she suggested I deliver at the one about 15 minutes down the road because it had a better NICU incase my twins were very premature.

 

One qualification I had was the level of the NICU. Different levels mean different things and I was fortunate enough to have a the highest level (3) NICU close to me. So I chose that hospital to deliver at. That also made me pick and OB that delivered at that specific hospital. Good luck with your search.

 

I would make sure that your doctor has privileges to deliver at the hospital you choose first, and if your pediatrician (when you pick one) has privileges there as well. You might also consider the level of NICU and if they offer private rooms. Some other things people consider is if the babies stay in the nursery or if they are able to room in with you, and if the room is not private if they allow your husband to stay the night. You should also inquire about the hospitals policy on seeing you in the ER vs L&D for any issues that may (but hopefully not) arise during your pregnancy. Many hospitals will not see a pt. in L&D until they are so many weeks along (20 usually), and others have a special maternity ER type evaluation area that you can go to. I work in a hospital so I know these are a lot of the things people seem surprised by once they are admitted or the things they complain about the most. I am in Tucson and we only have 4 options for delivery here, and one highest level NICU so it is a bit easier than in the bigger cities. Good luck in your decision.

Melanie :icon_biggrin:

 

Definitely go for the highest level NICU you can. Make sure your docs are licensed to deliver there. I'd also check and see if MFM or perinatologists you might see are licensed to deliver there. . . my OB can deliver us but our MFM docs can't (and they are the ones who've been treating our TTTS). Also, find out about the other specialists who might serve there (like the fetal cardiologist, etc.).

 

You have gotten some great advice so far, but I just wanted to reiterate the level of NICU is very important. My local hospital only had a special care nursey, so my OB said if I delivered before 30 weeks I would have to go down the road 20 miles to the hospital with a level 3 NICU. My OB had privileges at both of those hospitals. And you definitely want to be sure your OB has privileges there.

 

The highest level NICU (III) is important.

 

Beyond the level of the NICU, which I agree is important, I think it depends on what you are looking for.

If you are hoping for a natural birth, then you would want to find a hospital that is supportive of that. Do they allow you to get up and wander the halls during labor? Do they have tubs in all of the rooms? Do they have birthing balls? What post-birth procedures do they consider "routine", and are they willing to adjust these based on your birth plan?

What are you looking for after the birth? If you want to room-in, do they encourage this? Are you allowed to accompany the babies to the nursery for any required tests, or can they do them in-room? Do they allow family members to stay the night? Are they supportive of in-room Kangaroo care if this is an option for your babies?

If you plan a medicated birth or a c-section, then you could check the rates of hospital acquired infections and the reputations of the anesthesiologists (perhaps even requesting a specific doctor).

In order to be near the best NICU, you might choose a hospital that doesn't match your other desires. Remember, whatever the hospital policies, it is YOUR birth. You have the right to ask questions, and to say no to anything you don't want to do. If you are under pressure, offer to sign a waiver. If you are delivering vaginally, you could consider a Doula to aid in the birth and advocate your rights to the hospital staff.

Good luck finding the best setting for you!

 

I chose to deliver at the hospital that both of my sisters had there babies at.
staff is great, rooms are great
we just loved it there.
but we did know that they did not have a nicu but the that there is another hospital just down the street with a nicu unit
my dr delivers at both hospitals so told me to go to my second choice if i went early
i ended up being induced at 38 weeks and 4 days at my hospital of first choice and had no nicu stay.

 

Thank you everyone for your input and ideas about picking a hospital. We haven't been in Arizona that long, so we don't even know what all of our options for hospitals are, but at least we now have a list of what to look for. Thank you very much!

 

Where do you live in Arizona? I live in Scottsdale and am delivering at Banner Good Samaritan. They have a great high risk staff who has dealt with many multiples. The sextuplets were born there last year too. They have a great NICU and are well equipped for anything that can arise. All of the moms of multiples I've met in the area have delivered here too. I've already been hospitalized there with this pregnancy and the L&D staff is excellent. I hope this helps.

 

Hey! I'm an AZ mommy as well. I had mine at Banner Desert and I felt very comfortable there. There were 2 other sets of twins delivered just hours after mine so they are very experienced in that department. They had a level 3 Nicu if needed so I knew my babies would be nearbye if they had issues and they wouldn't have to be taken to another hospital. I have a friend that had her twins at the hospital in Phoenix that is also well known for delivering multiples. Overall I would chose a hospital that has a level 3 nicu just in case and that has a lot of experience with multiples. Good luck to you!!

 

I think you have gotten some great advice!! I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!