Breastfeeding
Many studies have shown that breastfeeding is more successful when the hospital a woman delivers provides breastfeeding support and services right after birth. This is so important, in fact, that UNICEF has launched a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. A hospital receives this designation when they’ve put 10 key steps into place. If breastfeeding is especially important to you, check to see if there’s a hospital close to you that has earned this designation.
The “Extras”
Some hospitals are going above and beyond traditional nursing and medical care to ensure that their patients have a truly special birthing experience. Magee-Womens Hospital of the UPMC Health Center in Pittsburgh, PA offers a special dinner and room service to patients on the day of their baby’s birth. Florida Hospital of Orlando plays a lullaby over the loudspeaker whenever a baby is born. While these little perks aren’t a substitute for excellent medical care, they do help make your stay just that extra little bit special.
If you aren’t lucky enough to live close to one of these facilities, don’t hesitate to speak with the staff at your hospital to see what types of amenities they offer. You might be surprised at some of the benefits available at your local hospital. You might even be able to negotiate your own top hospital to deliver in and why would you want anything different?
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