🏥 How to Choose a Maternity Hospital in India (Step-by-Step for Indian Moms)
Whether you’re planning a normal delivery or C-section, choosing the right hospital matters for your comfort, safety, and budget. Here’s a complete guide to help you make a confident decision:
⸻
✅ Step 1: Check Hospital Reputation & Reviews
• Ask friends, family, and local moms’ groups for recommendations
• Check Google Reviews, Practo, or BabyCenter India
• Look for high delivery success rates and a good OB-GYN team
⸻
✅ Step 2: Verify Gynaecologist Availability
• Choose a hospital where your preferred OB-GYN is available
• Confirm if they will be personally present during delivery
• Ask if there’s a team of backup doctors for emergencies
⸻
✅ Step 3: Tour the Maternity Ward
• Check for cleanliness, staff behaviour, and privacy
• See if they allow birthing partners inside the labour room
• Ask about visitor policies, especially post-COVID
⸻
✅ Step 4: Understand Delivery Packages
• Ask for a printed quote: normal delivery vs C-section
• Compare what’s included: room charges, tests, baby vaccines, stay
• Inquire about hidden charges (NICU, baby doctor, night duty)
💸 Average delivery cost in India: ₹35,000 – ₹2,50,000 depending on city & hospital type
⸻
✅ Step 5: Emergency & NICU Facilities
• Confirm 24/7 emergency care and anesthetist availability
• Must have a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) on-site or nearby
• Ask how they handle high-risk pregnancies
⸻
✅ Step 6: Check Proximity & Accessibility
• Choose a hospital within 30 minutes travel time
• Test the route for traffic, night access, and parking
• Keep a Plan B hospital in case of urgent delivery
⸻
✅ Step 7: Ask About Postnatal Support
• Do they offer lactation consultants, dieticians, or newborn care classes?
• Are nurses trained in baby handling and breastfeeding assistance?
• Any post-delivery counseling or pelvic floor therapy?
⸻
✅ Step 8: Understand Insurance & Cashless Claims
• Confirm if your insurance is accepted (Star Health, Niva Bupa, etc.)
• Ask for TPA contact details for pre-approval
• Check if baby’s expenses are covered in your policy
⸻
✅ Step 9: Comfort & Room Options
• Tour available rooms: general, semi-private, deluxe
• Ask about A/C, meals for mom, attached bathroom, TV, etc.
• Check if rooming-in is allowed (baby stays with you)
⸻
✅ Step 10: Vibe & Staff Behaviour
• Choose a place where you feel respected and heard
• Observe how nurses, receptionists, and doctors interact
• Trust your instincts — you deserve a warm, caring space 💕
