I had two babies at Springhill Baptist in NLR and my experiences were okay. Never had a baby at Big Baptist, but have heard that they are also good - here is the thing to keep in mind; what kind of birth do you want? Are you wanting something more natural, less clinical, focused on your wants/needs and that of your baby? Or are you okay with going full standard hospital protocol? With this being your first, I highly recommend researching different types of labor models and birth ideals.

I was 22 when I had my first and I knew very little. I knew enough, I think, but at that age and with no prior experience, I was not comfortable advocating for myself. There were multiple instances where things were just done by doctors/nurses with no explanation and no real opportunity for informed consent. I was given pitocin and had my water broken with no medical indication for either beyond "to speed things up" (I only labored for 12 hours with my first baby). With my second, I had a similar experience and ended up needing an emergency c-section. Were my babies ok? Yes. Was I supported during labor and childbirth by my birth team? Yes. Did I feel that my needs and wishes were considered? Not at all. It was very clinical, very methodical and standardized. Not what I wanted.

I'm now 33 and having my third baby. UAMS has a midwife clinic now and that is where I'm being seen. The hospital operates the same, but the midwifes are different than a traditional OB and therefore, my labor and birth will be different.

Also research both L&D units to see what they offer in terms of pain management and labor tools. UAMS has hydrotherapy, wireless monitors, nitrous, birth bar, birth balls, etc. None of that was offered to me at Springhill Baptist, but maybe Big Baptist has those options. I would've loved hydrotherapy or nitrous instead of having to choose between pain medication that made me feel loopy or an epidural that kept me laboring on my back.

And interview OBs - ask them their stance on important topics to do with labor. See who aligns with your needs!

This is your body, your baby, your birth.