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Questions to Ask on Your Hospital Tour

Scheduling a hospital tour can help you feel as prepared as possible when it’s time to give birth. Here are some questions to consider asking.

Motherhood baby blog.

Maybe you’re a “go with the flow” kind of person who doesn’t need to know much before you deliver your baby. Or you might be the kind of mama-to-be who wants to know every single detail about how each step of your labor and delivery process will go.

No matter which type of person you are, being well-informed about the childbirth process can empower you during your birth experience. Here are some questions that you might ask during your hospital tour or birth class.

Expecting parents can take a sneak peek of the childbirth experience at Women & Babies Hospital through our virtual tour or email WBHGroups@pennmedicine.upenn.edu to attend Baby Go Time, a virtual information lead by our nurse educators. 

Registration and Arrival

  • Do I need to complete any preregistration paperwork before I arrive for birth?
  • What entrance should I go to when I arrive? Is there a different entrance at nighttime?
  • Will I need to go to triage for an examination before I’m admitted to the hospital for birth?
  • What’s the best way to share my birth plan with the hospital staff?
  • Do I need to bring my medical records, or will the hospital already have them on file?

Visitor Policies

  • How many people are allowed in the labor and delivery room with me?
  • How many visitors am I allowed to have with me during couplet care?
  • Are there rules about children being present in the delivery room or couplet care?
  • What are the visitation hours?
  • For up-to-date patient and visitor information at Women & Babies Hospital, click here

Labor and Delivery

  • Are there any labor items (such as birthing balls, peanut balls, squat bars, rocking chairs, etc.) available for use?
  • Will I have access to a shower or tub during labor?
  • Is walking the halls permitted during labor?
  • What type of fetal monitoring is required during labor? Can I get out of bed if fetal monitoring is required?
  • Who will be present during my baby’s delivery from the hospital? It's important to note: some teaching hospitals allow students or residents to observe or assist during births. If you’re comfortable with it, great! If not, it’s ok to say, "no thanks!”
  • What is the policy on taking photos or videos during the birth?

Pain Management

  • What pain management options are available during labor and delivery?
  • Is there an anesthesiologist on-site at all times?
  • Is an IV or saline lock required during the length of the labor and delivery process?

C-sections

  • Who can be in the operating room with me during my C-section?
  • Can I watch my C-section via a mirror, or using clear drapes?
  • Can I play music in the operating room during my delivery?
  • Am I required to have my arms tied down?

Skin-to-Skin

  • Will I be able to do skin-to-skin with my baby after any delivery when possible, including C-sections?
  • Can baby’s tests be delayed until after skin-to-skin time is completed?

Recovery/Couplet Care

  • Are the recovery/couplet care rooms shared or private?
  • Will I stay in one room throughout the whole experience, or move to a recovery room after delivery?
  • Is there a shower available for use during my stay?
  • Are postpartum care items available (mesh underwear, pads, ice packs, etc.), or should I bring my own?
  • What is the typical length of stay for vaginal births and C-section deliveries? Is early discharge possible?

Newborn Feeding Policies

  • What is the hospital’s policy on breast milk vs. formula feeding?
  • Are there lactation consultants available on-site or is an appointment required?
  • Do lactation consultants visit with every breastfeeding person before discharge?

Baby Care

  • Will baby room-in with me, or is there a nursery available?
  • Does the hospital have a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)?
  • In the event baby needs advanced medical care, can the hospital NICU provide care or transfer baby to another hospital? What hospital?

Food

  • Can I eat during labor? If not, will clear liquids like jello, popsicles, etc., be available?
  • How do I order food during couplet care?
  • Is food included in my stay (and if so, is my support person included)?
  • What time is the cafeteria open?
  • Are patients and visitors allowed to bring their own food?

Of course, this list is by no means comprehensive, so you may have more to add. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that weren’t addressed during your hospital tour or birthing classes. Your provider and hospital staff want to make sure you have the best, most comfortable experience possible and will be happy to provide any answers they can. Good luck, mama!

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