RE “What women want (in the delivery room): Aromatherapy, Jacuzzis, acupuncture — how hospitals are using personalized services to woo mothers-to-be” (G section, June 18): Although I understand the expectations of expectant mothers, those expectations should be tempered by the reality of unexpected birthing complications. As a registered nurse and mother of three I would add to the list of questions one asks about the facility where she chooses to give birth, the following:
P Is there an experienced anesthesiologist in the hospital at all times in the event of an emergency?
P Can a surgical team be assembled and ready to begin within five minutes if an emergency cesarean section should become necessary?
P Is there a neonatologist in the hospital at all times should my baby experience any difficulty during the birth?
Those are the most important questions to ask. When those three things are not available, the most wonderful expectations can quickly turn into a tragic reality.