Picking the transfer hospital

[Right of Passage]

Obviously I don't want to transfer but I do need to pick a transfer hospital. We recently moved so my chosen transfer hospital is out of the question being an hour away. I have 2 hospitals about the same distance (25ish minutes), any suggestions on what questions to ask, if any?

[MegBoz]

Hm, my knee-jerk reaction here is to say, "I'd ask similar questions to the Qs I'd recommend a mama ask who's considering birthing there." But actually that's probably not best. Since you'd only transfer if something went wrong - you'd want the best medical care. In which case, I might actually prefer the hosptial with the HIGHER CS rate because they have more experience doing CS. I might also prefer the hospital with the higher level NICU.

Also, if you're not getting any shadow care, I might see if one hospital is less hostile towards HB than the other (your MW & local tribal area might be able to give you some insight here.)

If you're an HB transfer, you probably won't mecessarily need the place that has a tub to labor in, is more flexible to allowing you to eat & drink & not have IV fluids, doesn't require cEFM, etc.

[Peace+Hope]

how about your insurance? only one of the two hospitals may be covered by your policy...

in my case, other than insurance, how the hospital receives midwives in case of transfer was really important. i wanted to know their experience w/ transferring to the specific hospital and how they were able to work with clients once there...

[MidwifeErika]

I have clients give me the name of the hospital they would prefer as well as the closest hospital that does L&D. So, if it is a non-emergent transport and they can go to any hospital they would like and otherwise we go with the closest one.

Since you have two that are about the same distance, I would ask in your tribe with the names of the hospitals and see what people have to say. Find out if they both do rooming in, if they require the baby to go to the nursery for any amount of time, how many support people they would allow to stay with you, etc. I hope you find the perfect fit and then never have to use it Good luck!

[Right of Passage]

Thanks for the input ladies!