I am feeling very tired these days! So thankful when I get a nap in the afternoon! It’s such a blessing! This little guy is very active and especially right when I am ready to relax in the evening and then go to bed!
We took the boys with us last night on a tour of the hospital. I’m thankful we did because there are a few things I didn’t ever realize before. They have a jacuzzi room for when you are in labor, and labor balls, and showers. All things I didn’t realize before, when we had the boys. Since I try to steer clear of medications as much as possible these things might come in handy this time around!! I’m really praying to labor a lot at home this time and go in to just have the baby! Also something that we thought was really neat is the “kangaroo” thing they do now. As long as everything is OK with the baby and mother, right after delivery, they lay the baby upon Mommy and we get to bond for over an hour right there in the labor room. Before (with the boys) they would let us for a short time, then they’d whisk them off to get a bath and other stuff and then bring the baby back to us in our post pardon room. I always hated that and didn’t think to make a stand and demand that our baby not be taken off (which I know realize I could have done). Then once we move to the post pardon room they do the first bath in the room with us, which is nice. I always sent Brian with them when they would whisk off the baby and always missed the bath and other stuff.
It sounds like they have made some good changes since we had Gregory and Adam. I’m thankful too. I think we’ll be much more forceful (nicely of course) this time around and have things the way we want and let them know what we don’t want.
The boys enjoyed seeing where we would be and learning a little. Some of the talk was boring for them. I think for them we could have just showed them around quick. However, I’m glad for all the information we got. Plus we got to pre-register for our stay there. So, I think it was worth going!
Don't be afraid to have a birth plan with those requests outlined in it. We have always had a birth plan (even with our C-sections) and have always had our wishes (within reason) followed. It's pretty standard now and most of the medical staff expect it and will most likely ask if you have it. Give a copy to your doctor at your next appointment, then another copy to go in your chart when you are admitted to the hospital or to your room nurse and keep a third copy with you just in case. If you have one, they post it at the very top of your chart. There is absolutely no reason why the staff should do the bath or why the baby should have their shots, blood work, goop in the eyes and everything done within the first few hours. Enjoy that special bonding time! Congratulations!
Yeah, our hospital does the whole skin to skin thing too. I'm guessing it's the norm now, not sure. I had never heard of it before, but I guess it's been around for a while. We get to have her for the first hour, just mommy and daddy and baby. Then, when we go to the postpartum room, we can have visitors. I warned my folks, because I know they might get impatient, if they didn't know ahead of time.