**dawnadrian**

Jessie0706

I just saw you posted in another board that you delivered at North Memorial... This is the hospital we will likely deliver at, if we don't go the birthing site route with a MW. I am wondering what your experience was like? Good or bad? Did they respect and follow your birth plan? (Of course, assuming your birth was complication-free, so they could do such a thing.)

Thanks for sharing! :-)

dawnadrian

North Memorial was awesome, I definitely recommend it.  The nurses were amazing, we couldn't have asked for a better experience.  My water broke and I had to be induced, and they did everything they could to let me know what was going on and make sure I was comfortable.  I actually wrote up a 2 page birth plan, but didn't even give it to them because they addressed everything that was important to me as soon as I got there.  I was aiming for a natural birth, but wasn't ruling out the epidural, so they respected that.  I did end up getting one, because the contractions were very painful after the pitocin kicked in and I wasn't dialating.  When I told them I wanted it, they were there within minutes to do it, I was then able to relax get a few hours of sleep and things progressed much faster.  The L&D nurses were a little more attentive than the postpartum, but they were still nice.  Just let them know what you need and they will get it for you.  If you have any other specific questions, let me know!

Jessie0706

We went on the tour and they kept saying that we could do things I've heard other hospitals deny, like eating and drinking throughout labor, wearing your own clothes, bringing your own music, or using the tubs (provided you aren't hooked up to anything). Did you find this to be true? Or was anything like this offered to you?

dawnadrian

Yes!  They served me a whole meal while I was in labor, and they were always asking if I wanted toast or juice, and after delivery they brought me food right away too.  I think some hospitals steer you away from eating so you don't get nauseated, but I didn't have a problem with that.  You can definitely wear your own clothes, I think as long as it is something where they can check your cervix, I chose to wear their gown for delivery, but was able to shower and change after.  We did have a cd player and a tub to use (although we didn't).  Even hooked up to th IV you can use the tub if you want.  We were too distracted looking at baby name books since we still hadn't agreed on one!

Jessie0706

Wow! I'm surprised, to be honest! I thought, for sure, all of that that they told me was just things to get people to sign up to use their hospital. (Can you say skeptical, much? ;-) ) But I'm so glad to hear it's not!?

The nurses were supportive of your plan and not too pushy?

Thanks so much for answering all of my tedious questions! I do appreciate it!!?

dawnadrian

I can't say how great the nurses were.  I was skepical at first too, but was very pleasantly surprised.  They wanted to make it the best experience for you.  You could really tell that they love their jobs.  They were not pushy about anything, they were very informative about everything.  I don't mind answering your questions, I'm glad to spread the word about how wonderful they were.  I work in the medical field too, so I had pretty high standards.

Jessie0706

Thank so much for sharing your experience! I think we're going to go with a midwife at North Memorial, as it is the easiest option for our insurance coverage! (We also decided, as of last Thursday, to fire our OB.)

If you recall anything else you'd like to share (good or bad) about your experience, I'm ALL ears!!! :-) 

Thanks again!!