Expecting the Best: A Checklist for Selecting the Perfect Birthing Center
Becoming parents is an exciting journey, and selecting the right hospital for your child’s birth is a crucial decision. From the staff’s expertise to the postpartum support available, various factors contribute to a positive birthing experience. To help you make an informed decision, we chatted with Dr. Lydia Hostetler, an OB/ GYN at Longmont United Hospital ( LUH). She shared essential considerations when choosing a hospital to deliver your bundle of joy.
Qualified and Supportive Staff
New parents should look for hospitals with qualified obstetricians and nurses with experience in maternity care. Low staff- to- patient ratios ensure personalized care, and the availability of lactation consultants for breastfeeding support is also essential. The Birthing Center team at LUH includes three obstetrician/ gynecologist ( OB/ GYN) staff physicians: Dr. Soujanya Nalla, Dr. Lydia Hostetler, and Dr. Alicia Sloan- West. They also have one mid- level nurse practitioner in the office for low- risk OB/ GYN patient visits, 24/ 7 dedicated CRNA staff, and an on- call anesthesia provider. “I started in women’s health to listen to women’s voices and concerns while providing education and compassionate care,” Dr. Hostetler said. “Our practice is meeting that need. I am lucky to be working with my partner, Dr. Nalla, who delivered my own two boys.”
State- of- the- Art Technology
Search for modern labor and delivery rooms equipped with advanced monitoring systems. They should include the availability of a neonatal intensive care unit ( NICU) in case of complications and access to cutting- edge medical technology for prenatal diagnostics.
Comprehensive Prenatal Services
Prenatal services ensure a healthy pregnancy and a positive outcome for both the mother and the baby. These services encompass regular medical check- ups, screenings, and educational support that monitor the pregnancy’s progress and address any potential issues early on. Additionally, prenatal services provide essential guidance on nutrition, exercise, and emotional well- being, empowering expectant parents with the knowledge and support needed for a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey. Look for hospitals with: • On- site or virtual prenatal classes and educational programs. • Access to genetic counseling services if needed. • Availability of 3D/ 4D ultrasound services for a more detailed view of the baby. LUH recently obtained a new ultrasound, which Dr. Hostetler said she and her staff use to provide cutting- edge patient care.
Comfortable Birthing Center Features
Comfortable birthing center features are crucial for fostering a supportive environment that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Access to various birthing settings also allows for personalized choices in the delivery process, accommodating diverse preferences and birthing plans, contributing to a more satisfying experience. Features to look for include: • Options for different birthing settings and tools ( birthing tubs, birthing balls). • Support for alternative birthing methods ( water birth, natural birth). • A welcoming and calming atmosphere in birthing suites. At The Birthplace, you’ll find spacious, private rooms designed to comfort and support new moms, with oversized jacuzzi tubs and other home- like touches, including rollaway daybeds and ensuite bathrooms with showers.
Family- Centered Approach
The Birthplace staff believes in patient and family- centered care, focused on the whole person’s mind, body, and spirit. Longmont United Hospital has been providing the innovative “Rooming In” concept for decades. This is where newborns are encouraged to stay with mom instead of in the nursery. Their private rooms keep you and your baby close and allow partners and family members to be included if desired. If your baby needs a higher level of care and is unable to room in, they minimize separation, as the NICU is only steps away from your room. Choosing the right hospital for your childbirth experience involves carefully considering various factors to align with your preferences and provide the support and care needed during this significant moment. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and tour prospective hospitals to make an informed decision.
Painmanagement Options
Access to a range of effective pain management options, from pharmacological interventions like epidurals to non- pharmacological methods such as massage and breathing techniques, allows women to tailor their approach to pain management based on personal preferences and medical considerations. Effective pain management enhances the overall birthing experience by reducing stress, promoting empowerment, and facilitating a more positive emotional and physical state during labor. “The relationship between providers and patients is vital,” Dr. Hostetler said. “Your provider should be your advocate and guide in prenatal care. If certain things are important to you for your delivery, this should be an open and honest conversation early on. Trust in your providers is key, especially if your plan requires a deviation. Flexibility and putting safety first should be the priority of your care team.” Patients may also bring in a doula. These providers work with expectant mothers to discuss and plan for the patient’s individualized ideal birth. The Birthplace provides advanced medical care in the surgical suite and Level II neonatal intensive care unit, should it be necessary.
Postpartum Care Services
Postpartum care supports the mother in recovering from the physical stresses of labor and delivery, monitors for any potential complications, and provides essential support for breastfeeding, mental health, and the emotional challenges that can arise during the postpartum period. This holistic approach ensures the mother’s optimal recovery. It contributes to a healthier start for the newborn, fostering a positive and supportive environment for the entire family during this crucial transitional phase. Care should include: • Adequate follow- up appointments for both the mother and the baby. • Lactation support groups or visits and postpartum counseling services. • Postpartum depression screening and support. Patients at LUH can receive RN visits with trained lactation consultants to support new or experienced mothers in their breastfeeding journey. LUH’S partnership with the Perinatal Wellness Center connects families with licensed professionals trained to address specific behavioral health medical needs in and around pregnancy. At LUH’S Birthplace, rest assured you’re receiving the best care, expertise, and services. They strive to enhance your birth experience and to include the entire family throughout the birthing process.