Mixed feelings about leaving hospital

alisongem

I am so excited to take baby girl home and get readjusted to this new life style (and of course to sleep in my own bed) but I'm nervous and even a little scared to not have nurses right outside the door! They have been so wonderful and helpful... I think I've become a little too dependent! I feel sad like I'm going to miss them! Has this happened with anyone else??

aroch412

I'm lurking from the December board, and yes this happened to me!!

Our nurses and Doctor were absolutely amazing through labour and for our 3 day stay afterwards. We were ready to go home, but I felt sad for probably a week over the fact that it was all over and I didn't have the amazing staff to lean on or chat with. They were so good to us that they almost felt like good friends.

The feeling went away after about a week, so I blame it partially on the "baby blues".

I'm just thankful for an amazing experience as I've talked to many who didn't feel the same way about their nurses.

amargaret24

I hear this is totally normal..... I have a lactation consultant coming to my house a few days after we get home. Maybe you should look into something like that for some support? La Lleche League often times has women who will come and help for free  

ChrissyD1203

Yes this is how I feel. I've only been home a few days, but asked to stay an extra day in the hospital and they said no. I cried as we were leaving and haven't been able to take my hospital band off - there was a secure feeling about being there and it all went by so fast that it's like another way to hold on to the memory. I also cry when I think of not going to my OB appointments each week (also a security thing). I think this is somewhat normal but I'm going to be talking to my therapist about it anyway

carlyhammond

Oh definately!
I've been home almost two weeks and I'm still upset that I don't have the option to take him to the hospital nursery so I can rest a while... Probably because I'm sleep deprived though

danasphillips

I think it's pretty normal with your first. With DS I used the plastic mug/cup I drank out of in the hospital until he was like 6 months old. It was like a security blanket, ha!

MissMheMhe

Yes! I had tears in my eyes as we were leaving the hospital. I admit, it has been rough at home, but we all are adjusting and learning to be a family of three. I also still have the cup from the hospital...it helps remind me to drink enough water throughout the day for breastfeeding  

SummerOH

Totally normal. With DS, the doctor on call said we could go home the next day, but we opted to stay the full 48 hours our insurance covered. When we did get home, I started sobbing as soon as we stepped through the door. It's an overwhelming, scary feeling. I had DD, but she was 13 at the time so it had been a long time since I'd had a newborn.

It will be ok! The first few months are hard. It does get better. Just be easy on yourself and have a good cry when you need it. Hang in there!

ashhsa

I had a longer stay and opted to stay an extra day on that- and I thought I couldn't wait to get home the next day- I packed my bags and rang my husband telling him to hurry up. Then as soon as I got home I realized it was all over- and my little team of people that were helping me keep it together were left behind. Had a little cry. What an experience. I am glad to be home now though- it seems to help with the sleep.

alisongem

Thanks for all your responses! I feel a lot better knowing it's not just me! Did (can?) you guys do anything for your nurses after staying?

Rach8672

I wish I had this experience but my hospital stay was awful. The nurses weren't particularly helpful and pretty much had my husband do everything . They didn't change any linens my entire stay , my shower head holder was broken so I had to hold the shower head over my own head during my first shower after labor . they woke me and baby up soooo many times at night for vitals and vaccinations that should have been done during the day time. I was sooo happy to leave, I wish I had your experience. Oh BTW they didn't offer me a night of rest to have baby stay in nursery , that would have been so nice! This was at northwestern which is one of the highest ranked hospitals in Chicago, Wth!

alisongem

@Rach8672 I'm so sorry to hear that:( no one should have a bad hospital stay!

Wicked4589

We had a fabulous stay until that last night. But that was because the nurse pretty much never came around. I understand we had zero problems medically but the others were all so sweet and fabulous at their jobs. The only med I was on was Motrin and she couldn't seem to bring it to me her entire shift nor a sleep sack even though I requested it three times through her 12 hours. We never sent him to the nursery, I wanted him in the room all the time. But it was so nice that they would bring him to me out of the bassinet when he would cry (usually they were somewhat around when he would wake up) and then change diapers, swaddle, and put him back for me. That was nice.

nlwz123

Haven't even had our baby yet and I know what you mean.  In my mind I'm like, are you SURE I'm allowed to just take this baby home?  I have no idea what I'm doing.

alisongem

@nlwz123 right! I feel like I have no idea! And I missed my med time (usually the nurses woke me up for it) so now I'm in pain. Guess I'll be setting an alarm for that too!

SummerOH

Last time I brought big trays of Buckeyes (an Ohio candy - peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate) for the nurses on both floors. This time I'm doing Cheryl's cookies. You can send them something now if you'd like. But honestly, they would probably appreciate a nice, heartfelt card just as much. Or a glowing review to the administration of the care provided to you by them.

UptownPearl

We were supposed to go home from the birth center the day I gave birth, but when we got transferred we signed up for a two-three day hospital stay. it's been so nice to have all the necessary supplies, food and meds brought to me, baby and I checked regularly, etc. but I'm so glad to be home today. At the same time I have all of a sudden had this onset of worry. There were a few things I worried about in the hospital, but now that I'm home I question every little thing if it's normal and if my baby is safe and if I'm healing properly. I didn't think my form of emotional overload would be googling if the baby will nap safely in the Rock and play next to me or if I'm being a terribly irresponsible mother. It's scary! But most adjustments are, hopefully in the next few days we'll all feel more comfortable and confident

alisongem

@UptownPearl I feel the same way about rarely feeling worried in the hospital but now that I'm home I've got a million questions/concerns!

ShannyFann

@SummerOH I LOVE buckeye balls!!! I haven't made them in forever and almost made a batch at Christmas but didn't have the energy.

I was so uncomfortable in the hospital I couldn't wait to go home. Not really anyone's fault, I just have a hard time being settled/comfortable in unfamiliar places. I do remember walking out thinking "is this really happening?" And being surprised they just let us leave with a baby. Haha!