A Doula's Guide to Choosing A Labor Hospital in Upper Peninsula
If you are in the UP then you know that often times families feel like their birthing choices are limited or they aren't given a choice due to the the delivering hospitals being spread out and many providers are limited to supporting families at a certain hospital. Although both of those statements are true, that does not mean you have to deliver at the location nearest to you. (Unless you want to!)
As a local Birth Doula I have attended births across the Western and Central Upper Peninsula, I highly recommend doing your research on the individual hospitals, similar to what you would do to finding a provider. It is important to check out the different locations as every hospital in the UP has something different to offer! Learn more about 5 of our local options!
When you tour the birth centers, ask lots of questions to see if that hospital offers the things you are hoping to utilize for your childbirth experience. And listen to your intuition as you walk around, does this it feel right to you! After you have your top one or two locations, schedule a time to meet with the providers. If you aren't sure what to look for that is okay! I put together of list of some tips to help guide you and hopefully make this process easier!
4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Birthing Hospital
Your Birth Preferences Think about what matters most for your delivery. Are you hoping for a natural, unmedicated birth, or do you want the option of pain management like an epidural or nitrous oxide (Gas)? Are you looking for specific things like a tub, on site NICU, portable monitoring, or delivering/recovering in the same room? Knowing your preferences will help you find a hospital that aligns with your goals! As a Birth Doula I ask my clients questions like this to help them find what is important to them but also to let them know what the different options are!
Location and Travel Time Okay, so we live in the UP, most of us already have to do some traveling to get to our daily things. But when it comes to choosing the right hospital for you, it can be beneficial to look outside of your local options. Again knowing what is important to you can help you decide what to do or where you are willing to go. Do you want one that is closest to you in case of a fast delivery or are you comfortable traveling to a hospital that has the preferences that you prefer? I have also had clients who see a local provider that does not do deliveries for their prenatal care and pick a delivering hospital that is farther away. Doing this can cut down on your prenatal appointment travel and allow you to deliver at the hospital of your choice!
Support and Resources Look into what types of support are offered. Are lactation consultants available or what kind of feeding supports are available? Does the hospital welcome Doulas or other birth partners? Do the nurses have training in things like Spinning Babies or using a CUB? What kind of postpartum care and newborn support do they provide? Is the hospital VBAC Friendly? What kind of things does the hospital provide for you? Having a strong, positive support system early on can make your experience smoother and more empowering!
Comfort and Care Options Every hospital has its own approach to patient care and comfort. Does the hospital have a Midwife on staff? Is the hospital open to you saying no to certain things? What policies are in place for rooming-in with your baby or having visitors? Do you feel like the nurses and providers are open to new ideas? Make sure the environment feels right for you, and one that helps you feel empowered and relaxed, so you can focus on welcoming your baby! As a Birth Doula I can help you and your partner with advocating and creating a birth plan! Writing it down and talking about all the options can help you be informed and feel good about the decisions you make during your labor!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right birthing hospital is such an exciting part of your journey! Trust your instincts, ask questions, and tour the hospitals! Your comfort and confidence are key to creating a birth experience that feels empowering and positive!
Learn more about the Top 5 Central and Western Upper Peninsula Labor and Delivering Hospitals from a local Birth Doula.
Lacy Anderson, mama of 3 beautiful children!
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Fitness Instructor and Car Seat Safety Technician!
Phone: 906.458.5678
Website: www.upfamilydoula.com
A little about me & Doula care
I'm Lacy, owner of UP Family Doula Care located in Marquette County, MI. I know I have mentioned the term "Doula", but what's a Doula? Well the simply version is, I'm someone who's here to help in any way that I can! I support families during pregnancy, labor and the first year postpartum. Now this support can be done through education, emotional support, helping the families prepare for the baby and upcoming delivery, helping families to advocate for what they need and want, and helping families feel empowered and confident! If you are interested in learning more about how I can support you and your family, schedule a meet and greet today!
