Mediclinic or Netcare

Hi there:)

It is very hard to decide on where to birth, especially if this is your first birth. A good question to ask, when deciding on a place of birth, is whether the place practice Better Birthing Initiative.

This means that they aim to make the birth process more comfortable for women by advocating, among other things, that moms be allowed to move around during labour and be able to choose whom they want at their side during birth. It also strives to ensure that women are no longer shaved routinely, or given enemas. It does not support withholding food during labour and discourages routine interventions such as episiotomies, intravenous infusions, lying down to give birth, or removing the baby from mom. It supports that breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Also enquire if your place of choice has a Baby Friendly status.

A baby-friendly hospital:
*has a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
*The staff are trained in skills to implement this policy.
*Pregnant women are informed about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
*Mothers are helped to initiate breastfeeding within half an hour of birth.
*Mothers are helped with breastfeeding and how to maintain lactation even if they are separated from baby.
*Rooming-in is practised, which means that mom and baby stay together 24 hours a day.
*Newborns aren't give any food or drink other than breast milk.
*Breastfeeding on demand is encouraged.
*No artificial teats or pacifiers are given to breastfeeding babies.
*The hospital will foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer moms to them on discharge.
*The hospital adheres to the international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes.
*The facility encourages women to have companions of their choice to provide continous support during labour and birth.

I would definitely also go for a tour and get a feel for the place.

Hi there,

I agree with Antz, my gynae is at Unitas and I gave birth there but if I didn't have placenta previa and needed my gynae, I would have been at Femina in a flash. They are very pro-natural and supportive there and if you're in the CBD then it is on your doorstep!

Femina is really awesome, especially if you want a natural birth!

Do the hospital tour and then decide...

Pretoria CBD

Hi!

If your gynae and Medical Aid said any hospital, Id say, pick a few, and go on a Hospital tour, and take it from there Where do you live?

Thanx a lot for your comments, my Gyn is working at Louis Pasteur but I dont like that hospital thats why Im a bit confused, my medical aid and Gyn told me to choose any hospital that will be ok with me.