I head on the news last night that a lot of hospitals have changed their visitation policy when it comes to kids because of H1N1. Duke where I will deliver #2 has changed their visitation to adults only. A lot of other hospitals say no children under 12. I plan on checking with my OB to see if this applies to L&D but I have to think it does.
This makes me so sad (I am sure that being almost 35 wks pg isn't helping). DD won't get to meet #2 until we come home from the hospital. We won't have those cute pictures of her holding her new sibling in the hospital bed. AND I won't get to see her!! I hope this doesn't make the transition harder on her... Mommy goes away for a few days and comes home with a baby.
Just needed to vent and I knew you all would understand!
Re: Hospital visitation policy changes (and a vent)
Yup... this is what Duke says...
In keeping with its primary commitment to patient safety, Duke University Health System (DUHS) is requesting that patient visitation in all inpatient and outpatient facilities be limited to adult members of the patient?s immediate family or designated caregivers in order to minimize potential patient exposure to the H1N1 influenza virus.
That does really suck, I'm sorry.
When Eli was in the NICU they had a no kids policy too, even siblings. I know the NICU is a little different, but I thought about how bad it would suck if we had an older child that wouldn't be able to visit for the entire time he was in there. When he was first born, we could take anyone back to see him. But while he was there, there was a flu outbreak and then they changed the rules to parents and immediate family only.
I saw this on the news last night. You would think that with situations like yours, it must be immediate faimily, require every child to wear a mask, and be escorted directly to the room. I find it ridiculous that they just stamped a blanket policy like that without a compromise like the one I just suggested.
I can understand that they don't want droves of little petri dishes roaming the halls, but come one. Siblings should be able to visit their parents, new brothers and sisters, etc. That sucks and I would be upset too. ((Hugs))
***Baby #3: BFP Mother
I think I heard on the news that in cases like this exceptions will be made. It's sad but like you, I understand as well why they are making this change.
lol at this!
I know it sucks! I guess its reaching statewide now. We implemented it this week too in the triad area. Something all the hospitals agree on and thats a big deal around here.
Im sorry I know its not the ideal situation but for the sake of both of your girls it is a good call. Im so nervous about AT being so close to the hospital in DC since so many of our employees are in and out of there all the time. Its on onsite DC.
HUGS! I know we have set up online updates etc....maybe you could set up some kind of Skype arrangement while your in the hospital.