Already crying about strict hospital policies

FriendlyFanny

One of our local hospitals (not the one I'll deliver at) has tightened their visitation policies. There was a post on this board about the same thing. I've seen news reports saying many hospitals across the country are enforcing similar policies. All of them limit visitors to over age 16 or 18 and only siblings over age 5.

I understand trying to contain the spread of illness, but you can't tell me it is healthy for an 18 month old to go 2 or more days without seeing her mom and then have mom suddenly come home with a new baby. It makes me cry just thinking about that possibility!

LauraLovesJon

I'm worried about this as well, hopefully by the time we are there flu season will be over and they will allow it.

kate081206

Yeah I think this is a flu thing and hopefully they will change it when the flu hysteria is over.

mlf625

I know. ?I'm definitely concerned about this, too. ?I'll be having a c/s so it would mean 3-4 days away from DS, and I really hate the idea of us just suddenly pulling in the driveway with a new baby. ?:( ?I'm just hoping the hospital I'll be delivering at won't make this rule, or if they do, that it's a lenient one (as I've heard many are more of a suggestion than a strict rule).

MrsPreK

I'd rather my children be healthy and miss him for a few days versus getting ill. JMO.

FWIW - DS only came and visited me once when I had my c/s and it was only for a few minutes as DD was in the NICU and he wasn't allowed in there.

GL ladies. 

Pesky

It will be fine.  How I know is that is what had to happen with DD when DS was born.  When DS was born, DD had a bad cold.  I didn't want to risk infecting other newborns as DD was too young to understand covering her mouth, etc.  She was fine.  She asked about me on the second day, grandma told her I was with the dr getting the baby out of my tummy and she was fine.  Very happy to see me and a bit clingy upon return but totally fine.

lynnbeez

Since I just gave birth on Sunday morning, we just went through this.  Our hospital restrictions were 18 and under including siblings were not allow to enter the hospital.  DD did well but but my family protected me from the truth while I was in the hospital.  She actually woke up in the middle of the night screaming for me and wouldn't go back to sleep.  She searched the house for me.  They said it was heartbreaking.  You probably want to hear positive stories but I'll tell you the truth, I was telling DH how much I missed DD in between contrax.  My plan was to leave the hospital in 24 hours if the baby and I were cleared to leave by our Drs.  We stuck to this plan.  (It breaks my heart to know other Mom's will experience this with a longer stay due to a c-section).  I was even irriated with anyone who wanted to have small talk or chat when I was trying to leave the hospital.  Just do your job so I can leave, stop trying to chat with me.

sam681

Same thing here.  At my last OB visit, they told me that the hospital I'll deliver in will only allow one visitor (and it has to be the same person) the entire stay - the father or a birth coach.  Visiting hours are shortening and no siblings.  The only way they will change the rules is on a case-by-case basis and usually only if the patient is dying.  I am having a scheduled c-section and can't even imagine how hard it will be leaving DD for 3-4 days.  They did say that if the flu season isn't as bad as they are predicting, the rules may change. 

mollyandmarcus

I found a post on this yesterday and called my hospital.  I wish I wouldn't have because I am just so upset about it.  They are putting the policy into place on November 15th and I'm due in January, so I'm guessing it will not change by then.........but I'm hoping!  I've never left my DD for more than a night and I was really excited to have her be a part of the whole process and bringing her new little brother home.  I can understand the hospital making some visitation rules, but I find it frustrating that I can have 50 plus other random people come visit me during my stay and not have my DD!!

eaglesfan700

DS did not come to the hospital by choice.  I just found it completely unnecessary to bring him down there.  He stayed with my brother and SIL and had a great time.

We picked him up at my parents' house and he was fine.  He adjusted to DD totally normally. 

IDK, I just don't get why this is such a huge deal

KaupuaKaleponi

My DD came for an hour when DS was born and she was terrified. She didn't understand why she couldn't leave the room, why mommy was tired, what the heck "baby charlie" was, or why we weren't at home. She stayed w/ my mom and grandma.

 Taking your small child to the hospital will not make it any easier for them to understand the concept of a sibling.

MattsWifey<3

the hospital i am delivering at has already stopped all visitors to the maternity ward and nursery. i am devistated. only DH's or fathers of babies are allowed (or just a support person if no DH or father).