Four things to consider when choosing a maternity hospital

So many hospitals to choose from...........................................

One of the biggest decisions one is required to make whilst expecting a child is where they plan on delivering their child or children(incase one is expecting multiples). I thought it would be a no brainer for me and that I would obviously go to Aga Khan because we only want the best right?. This is until I got pregnant and had to restart my pre-natal clinics three times over.Each time I found fault with the health facility I was visiting at the time.I started off at the Woman`s clinic in the CBD,then the Aga Khan at Capital centre and finally settled on Mater hospital.Mater chose me really because by the time my babies came at 32 weeks 2 days I was seriously considering a move.

I am grateful that I got the babies at Mater; it`s very near my home,their services although slow are excellent,compared to the big hospitals in Nairobi it is a bit cheaper and their newborn unit is A1.The only issue with the hospital is that during pre-natal clinics one sees the doctor first before going for the required tests and ultra sound.Then during your next visit you discuss the results from your previous visit(weirdest thing ever). This just didn`t work for me as always we were discussing old news with the doctor.The way to navigate this I found is to ask the doctor to prescribe the required tests, then I would you take them just before my next visit.

If you are pregnant and are undecided on where to go for pre-natal clinics and where to usher in your precious gift/gifts below are things you should consider when making this important decision.

Cost

 `Do you know how expensive it is to give birth in a private hospital`-Plan B


Giving birth isn`t exactly cheap.The good thing though is that there are so many hospitals to choose from.The really expensive,the affordable and even facilities that allow women to deliver for free.

When deciding on a facility ensure you are aware of all the costs involved.Costs would normally include; cost per night,drugs,doctor fees and theater charges incase one has a ceaseran section.

Different hospitals have maternity packages, when making the decision ask the hospitals you are considering for their packages.My suggestion is by the time you are twenty five weeks pregnant start looking at maternity packages and settle on one that is well within your budget.Sometimes you will need to spend more so its wise to choose a facility that is below your budget this way you are less likely to spend more than you had anticipated.Cut your coat according to your cloth.

Gynaecologist

There are so many gynaecologists in the market currently that trying to choose a good one is like trying to find a needle in a hay-stack.The main reason I kept on changing hospitals for pre-natal clinic is that each of the gynas I met seemed so disinterested.One I actually had to ask to review my urine tests because he didn`t look at the results.They all seem to be in a rush.

Choosing a good doctor is really important as they make a lot of the medical decisions for you.They prescribe supplements for you,treat you in the event of pregnancy related issues and have your medical history.Ask your friends, family,colleagues or anyone whose judgement you trust to suggest good gynas they have worked with and trust.I unfortunately didn`t find a gem of a gyna but had so many suggestions from friends.

Most of the gynas have specific hospitals where they have rights to deliver babies.When choosing one make sure you know which hospitals they work in and if these facilities are within your budget.

Newborn Unit/NICU

Tiny feet 💗💗

With pregnancy plan for the unexpected and pray for the best.A lot of babies spend sometime in the newborn unit.When deciding on a facility visit their new-born unit,ask questions and familiarize yourself with this part of the hospital.

If you are carrying a high risk pregnancy then this will be one of the main things to consider.Important things to consider are; quality of care given in this unit,reviews from people you know, the cost and the arrangements around how often you can see your little one(s) when they are there.

Access to the health facility

This is pretty obvious but proximity of the hospital to your home should be considered.With child-birth and pregnancy you can plan all you want but truth be told nothing is in your hands.It is wise to choose a hospital you can reach in the shortest time possible if an emergency happens.

I hope this is helpful and will assist you when deciding on maternity hospital.What other things should one look at? Let me know 😊😊.