The Hospital Tour

Saturday we did a tour of the hospital where Nathan will be born. The hospital is called Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. It was one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done! The woman that led the tour was an RN who is also a lactician. We started by meeting in the lobby and she told us when to come to the hospital (around 4 cm dilated) because it’s best to go as long as one can at home. She explained how the home environment is more relaxing to us and more conducive for contractions. Also if I go to the hospital too early there is a chance I will be sent home. After that explanation, she indicated where we should park or drop off. She told us in great detail about the registration process and what to expect upon arriving at the hospital. We were told to also be sure and eat something before we come and to bring snacks for the dad since labor is typically a lengthy process. Next we ventured to the 3rd floor which is the maternity floor. I will start in the triage room which is a long room with many beds separated by curtains. This is where the nurse will check me out to determine how far along I am and give me a full medical once over. After triage, I’ll move to my own labor and delivery room where there is a twin bed for me (including all sorts of “fun” looking medical devices to hook me up too), a couch, tables, windows, shower/tub, toilet and sink. There are 3 rooms that don’t have windows but the trade off is that they have Jacuzzi tubs. In the labor and delivery room she explained what each accessory is that will be hooked up to me. I could tell she was fairly anti-epidural because she harped on how if you get an epidural you are confined/restricted/tethered to the bed at around 5 cm. Otherwise, you are free to roam the halls. 4 people are allowed in the room with me, although Dan will be the only one I want. There will be 2 nurses rotating for me until I reach 8 cm. At that point, I was get my own nurse. When it comes time for the actual delivery, there will be my doctor, nurse, the anesthesiologist (for epidural purposes), and 2 nurses from NICU to give Nathan a full health check up immediately after birth. I think that covers all the additional people she said would be in there. Sounds like a full house to me! When we left that room, we ventured to the recovery room. Those rooms have a bed for Dan instead of a couch so that will be nicer to sleep on. Nathan will be with us the entire time after he is born unless there is significant enough of a medical issue where he will have to stay in the nursery. We know this won’t happen so our boy will not leave our sight, except when he is circumcised. We are allowed to bring almost anything into the room to make our stay more comfortable. She suggested something lightly scented which will help to relax me. 90% of the recovery rooms are private so the odds are great that I won't have to share.

There were several times that I got pretty teary eyed during the tour with the most touching moment being when she explained how there is about a 2 hour window right after the baby is born where he will be on high alert. He’ll open his eyes and look all around, including at Dan and me. The hospital is a huge advocate of breastfeeding and immediate contact between baby and mom’s chest. I am happy to know that.

There was a lot of detail explained during our tour and I’ve only touched on the highlights. I feel even better now knowing more about what to expect. Here is a link to the hospital’s website if you are interested in reading more about where I’ll be. http://www.altabatessummit.org

Kisses!
Toni