Consider the following when you choose your hospital:

• Which hospital does your obstetrician use?
• What can you afford?
• If you are on medical aid, will your hospital stay be covered and does the hospital charge medical aid rates?
• How far is the hospital from where you live?
• Does the hospital have all the facilities you require? (such as a birthing bath if you prefer an underwater delivery)
• What is the attitude to rooming-in?
• Can more than one support person (including siblings) be present during labour?
• Are there semi-private and private rooms available?
• What are the visiting hours and rules regarding visitors (including siblings)?
• What is the atmosphere in the ward?
• What are the security measures?
• Does the hospital offer in-house support such as a lactation consultant?

(Ilse Pauw, Health24)