Hospital Tours

smallbutmighty77

I know it's early but our practice requires we do a hospital tour and they're already booked through March!! What questions are you asking or STM do you wish you asked during your hospital tours? 

BlackNYellow

I plan on asking what is provided for mom and baby and what do they recommend packing? 

I also have to ask about visiting age...My sister-in-law is nine. The hospital websites states that children under the age of 12 can visit as long as they are siblings. Is that siblings of the parents or siblings of the newborn? I would love for my little SIL to meet her niece or nephew in the hospital and if they say no I may have to lie about her age (she is very tall for her age). 

SouthernMama15

@BlackNYellow at our hospital, it was siblings of the child.  If I understand correctly, it's because children under that age tend to not understand how bad germs are for babies and if they're even slightly sick, they may not be 100% honest and bring germs to the hospital. 

Vamason89

Know about the food situation. The 24 hour cafeteria was a half mile walk from the maternity ward building. I felt famished after I was able to rest up. It didn't help that it was in the middle of a blizzard so having my husband drive somewhere wasn't an option. But still!

BlackNYellow

SouthernMama15 said:

@BlackNYellow at our hospital, it was siblings of the child.  If I understand correctly, it's because children under that age tend to not understand how bad germs are for babies and if they're even slightly sick, they may not be 100% honest and bring germs to the hospital. 

I think you are correct. It is probably best that way but it does stink for her since she is not just some random 9 year old. She is my little sister (in law) and I have been with my husband for longer than she has been on this planet. I would love to have her there but sneaking her in would not be a very wise idea either. : / 

lwhrmomma

How many people can be in delivery room with you? How many visitors at a time in recovery room? Visiting hours?  Food situation?  Does baby sleep in your room or in nursery?  Ask about the NICU situation too... my son was brought directly to NICU after birth and I knew absolutely nothing about it. I wish I had been prepared.  Better to know their protocol and guidelines and not need it, than to be totally unprepared. 

mkayslurp

24 hours after my son was born he had a fever and had to stay in the NICU for 72 hours.   I got discharged before he did but obviously didn't want to leave him in the hospital alone.   I would just make sure that the hospital allows you to stay if you want - I basically slept in a chair next to his crib for those couple nights but I've heard some hospitals just have "visiting hours" for parents in the NICU.     Hopefully it'll be nothing you have to worry about but it good to know just in case.