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Questions to Ask on Your Hospital Tour

There are so many things to remember when you are getting ready for your baby’s arrival. Print this list and take it with you on your hospital tour.

Getting Ready

  • What is the hospitals address?

  • Where is the front entrance?

  • Where do we park on delivery day?

  • Can we preregister?

  • What is the procedure for checking in?

  • Do we check into the ER or go straight to Labor and Delivery after hours?

  • 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 bands?

  • 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 are the snack machines?

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 IV policy?

  • What are my labor options?

  • Are there tubs or showers that I can labor in?

  • What kind of monitors will be used on my baby and me?

  • Are walking epidurals offered?

  • Is there an anesthesiologist on staff?

  • What other amenities are available?

  • What are the hospital’s epidural and C-section rates?

  • What level is the hospital’s NICU?

  • 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?

  • What hospital will we be transferred to if there is an emergency?

  • Can cell phones be used in the delivery room? Will we need calling cards?

Welcoming Baby

  • Are video cameras allowed before, during and after my baby is born?

  • Will I be moved to a recovery room?

  • Can my baby be taken to the nursery if I want to shower or have time alone?

  • Do you have a lactation consultant on staff?

  • What items should I bring for the baby and what does the hospital provide?

  • Do you do car seat checks?

  • What is the checkout procedure?