15 Questions to Ask Your Hospital Before You Give Birth

Most expectant parents tour the labor and delivery unit and ask about parking. Here are the questions that actually matter for your safety and birth experience.

Questions About Safety & Quality

1. What is your NTSV C-section rate?

The national average is ~26%; a high-quality hospital is 15-20%. A rate above 35% for low-risk patients should prompt serious questions.

2. Do you have the CMS Birthing-Friendly Designation?

This designation means the hospital participates in national perinatal safety programs. Learn what it means →

3. What is your NICU level?

For most low-risk pregnancies, Level II is sufficient. For twins, preterm risk, or high-risk conditions, ask about Level III or IV.

4. Is there an OB physician in the hospital 24/7?

Not just “on-call” — is there an OB in the building at all times? Same for anesthesia.

5. Do you participate in the AIM safety program?

AIM hospitals have implemented standardized safety bundles for hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and other leading causes of maternal mortality.

Questions About Your Birth Preferences

6. Do you support VBAC?

If you’ve had a previous C-section, confirm the hospital and your OB actively support VBAC attempts.

7. Can I use a birthing tub during labor?

Many hospitals have tubs for laboring but not all allow water births. Know the policy in advance.

8. Can I have a doula in the delivery room?

Most hospitals allow doulas, but some have restrictions on room capacity or visiting hours.

9. What is your policy on intermittent vs. continuous fetal monitoring?

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is associated with higher C-section rates in low-risk labors.

10. How do you support unmedicated births?

Ask about freedom of movement, access to birthing balls, tubs, and whether nurses are trained to support natural pain management.

Questions About Postpartum & Breastfeeding

11. Are you Baby-Friendly certified?

Baby-Friendly hospitals follow WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding support guidelines: immediate skin-to-skin, rooming-in, no supplemental formula without medical reason.

12. What is your policy on delayed cord clamping?

Delayed cord clamping (waiting 1-3 minutes) is now recommended by ACOG and provides benefits to the newborn.

13. How long is the typical postpartum stay?

Standard is 48 hours for vaginal birth, 96 hours for C-section.

Questions About Practical Logistics

14. What is your visitor policy during labor and delivery?

Who can be present, for how long, and during which stages.

15. What happens if I need a transfer to a higher-level facility?

For Critical Access or lower-level hospitals, understand what conditions would require transfer and what the process looks like.

Print This Checklist

Save this page or print it before your hospital tour. Asking these questions before you’re in active labor — not during — is key to making informed decisions.