Should I choose a hospital birth?

Hospitals and maternity units are now paying more attention to what women want, so you are more likely to have your baby the way you wish.

Most hospitals have birthing pools, baths, CD players for your music and private rooms where you can labour in peace. Hospitals might not be as familiar as home, but if you surround yourself with items that make you feel relaxed and comfortable, you will feel more in control at the birth.

If you attend antenatal classes at your hospital you may be shown around the maternity ward, if not, it might be worth asking at your next antenatal appointment if you can look around. It's worth familiarising yourself with where the maternity ward is (you might need to get there in a hurry) and what the rooms are like. Depending on your hospital you may have a private bathroom or access to a birthing pool for a water birth.

As soon as you are admitted to the maternity unit, a midwife will ask you about your labour so far, how many contractions you are having, and the distance they are apart. Make a note of when or if your waters have broken and whether you are feeling any other pains, lower backache for example. Your midwife will examine you to see how dilated your cervix is and you may have to wear a foetal monitor to check the baby’s heartbeat. Don’t forget to bring your notes with you when you are admitted, as these show the details of your pregnancy so far.

How long am I likely to stay in hospital for?
How long you stay in hospital all depends on what kind of birth you have and the health of you and your baby after delivery. If you have a straight forward vaginal birth with no complications you might be able to go home the day after you give birth providing the midwives are happy that your baby is feeding well.

This means that if you are breastfeeding the midwives will want to see your baby latched on and feeding well before they will happily discharge you. Although you are probably desperate to go home it's also a good thing if you have to stay a day or two after you give birth because the midwives will help you to establish breast or bottle feeding and will show you things like how to give your baby a bath (see our video bathing your newborn) and how to wind her properly.

If you have had a caesarean section you won't be as mobile after the birth and you should expect to stay in hospital for at least five days. Your blood pressure will be checked and also your caesarean section scar to make sure you are healing properly. Again, the stay in hospital may be frustrating but no bad thing if you get used to having your baby for a while before you have to go it alone at home.

Hot tip - hospital food isn't very nice so when visitors ask what they should bring you, you could always suggest something nice to eat!

If you're debating whether to have a home or hospital birth, you can talk to other mums about the pros and cons of each on the Guide to Labour and Birth area of the chat forum.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.