When a couple plans to welcome a baby, they often dive deep into researching baby names, the best gynecologist in town, hospital charges, and even the clothes or room decor for the little one. But one thing that is usually overlooked is the overall environment and support system of the hospital where the delivery will take place.
We always assume that if the doctor is reputed and experienced, everything else will automatically fall into place. But unfortunately, that’s not always true. A doctor is surely the central figure in the process, but behind every successful and peaceful delivery, there is an entire support team — and that includes nurses, ward staff, cleaning staff, and caretakers. If they don’t function well, the whole experience can turn stressful and emotionally draining.
I’m saying this purely from my personal experience.
When I had my C-section delivery, I was hospitalized for about 3–4 days. Like every new mom, I was filled with a mix of emotions — excitement, nervousness, and physical discomfort. During this time, my husband, my mom, and my mother-in-law stayed with me turn by turn, supporting me the best they could. But what we didn’t expect was the insensitivity and unprofessionalism from the hospital staff.
The nurses were barely available when I needed help. During the day, they were missing from the maternity ward most of the time. And during the night? They were simply sleeping! Yes, actually sleeping — and when we would ring the bell for support, their reply would be: “We’ve had a long day delivering babies. Let us rest now.”
Can you imagine how helpless that feels for a new mom who’s had major surgery and is still recovering?
They didn’t bother to provide warm water, didn’t help me in holding or changing my newborn, and showed zero empathy. There were moments when I was alone in the room with my baby and physically unable to move much due to the stitches — but still, no one came to help. It broke my heart to see that being women themselves, they couldn’t understand the vulnerability and discomfort of another woman who had just given birth.
And here comes the most shocking part — on the day of discharge, when I was finally ready to go home with my little one, the entire staff suddenly appeared near my bed, smiling and hoping for tips (guerdon). I was honestly shocked. Throughout the stay, when they were actually needed, they were nowhere to be found. But now, suddenly everyone remembered their “duties”! My mom, with her kind and soft heart, gave each one of them a small amount, hoping they would at least bless me and my baby. But deep inside, I felt it was completely unfair.
So, dear moms-to-be and their families — my humble suggestion is:
Please don’t just stop your research at the doctor. Also check the hospital reviews, staff behavior, their maternity ward experience, and their reputation for post-delivery care. Because these few days in the hospital are crucial, not just for the baby but for the mother’s physical and emotional recovery too.
We often spend so much time planning the birth date, the baby shoot, or the name reveal — but ensuring a respectful, hygienic, and emotionally supportive delivery environment should be a top priority too.
