Choosing a Hospital to Give Birth at in Madrid
Choosing where to give birth may seem like a straightforward decision for some moms or at the beginning of pregnancy. As time goes on, you may find you have specific ideals in mind when it comes to birth.
In addition to asking a general question about where other moms gave birth and their experiences, consider what is most important to you when it comes to giving birth. These preferences vary so much from person to person. Here are a few things to consider:
Would you like to have an epidural right when you arrive to the hospital?
Do you want baby supplies to be included in the hospital stay?
Is having a top neonatal care unit a priority for you?
Is having both a neonatal unit AND adult ICU important to you?
Would you prefer to birth with the fewest interventions possible and have care providers who are well versed in normal vaginal birth without interventions?
Do you want to have access to a birth tub?
Is an individual room for postpartum recovery priority?
Beyond choosing which kind of hospital you'd like to give birth at, I often see birthing people asking if certain paying private care options are "worth the money" and asking for experiences of other moms at hospitals that offer similar respectful birth options within the public system.
Personal experiences are such a fantastic way to get more information about the inner workings of hospitals and birth teams. In the end though, it comes down to what will make you feel most comfortable and respected during your birth process.
If you find yourself stuck deciding between two places that seem great here are some additional questions that may help you decide. There is no right or wrong answer - just what feels important to YOU!
Do I want to give birth with a team I know? Do I mind going into labor and having the shift doctor at the hospital?
What kind of pain relief options are available? If a birth tub is available, will I be guaranteed its use?
What is the registration process like while in labor? Will I be in a big room with other moms divided by curtains while they do the first monitoring?
How many birth companions are permitted? One? Two? None during epidural administration or C-sections?
Will I have access to an on call midwife who knows me and my situation?
What baby items are provided at the hospital? Diapers, onesies, blankets, nothing?
The most important question: What is your intuition telling you? Sometimes we tell this little voice to be quiet because we'd rather not spend money or we want to do something to make others comfortable or for any number of reasons. Dig deep and listen to that voice for this decision.
If you're not sure what your own birth preferences are or would like additional information about preparing for giving birth here in Madrid, schedule a free discovery call with me! And be sure to check out the Madoula homepage. If you're looking for doula support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum please be sure to contact me for a free consultation!
Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. There are many factors to consider at all times. The support of a doula from home to hospital adds an additional layer of support for both the birthing person and partner. Continuous care and individualized support increase the likelihood of satisfaction with one's birth experience, regardless of the birth outcome (C-section, instrumental birth, etc).