Am I crazy for even considering this?

Jennicillin · July 2014

Ok.... so this is my 3rd baby, I'm feeling pretty laid back about the whole birth thing, especially now that I've met my new OB.

I'm a late transfer, so I really only got to pick between two hospitals and the decision already had to be made sight unseen so I could be pre-registered before I even got to TX (had to be pre-registered at 30 weeks)

I'm heavily considering NOT going on the hospital tour at all.... at least not the whole "organized" tour group thing. Maybe just swing by after my next OB appt (they're in the same medical complex as the hospital) and just check out where L&D is so I know where to go when I'm in labor.

It's not like I have the option to switch, I'm locked in my a number of factors, mostly how late of a transfer I am and where my OB delivers. I already know the basics, like their security measures, where to park, and that every room is a private room. I just don't really have any questions that my OB can't answer, I don't care much at all about what the rooms look like or if they have tubs or anything like that. The tour is just something I have to cram into my schedule when my husband is deployed, and drag the kids to 30 minutes before bedtime because I don't know anybody to watch them. My mom will have left from her visit by the time the tour happens... kids are welcome, but seriously what am I going to get out of it with two really grouchy tired toddlers with me?

I seriously just want to forgo the entire thing. Like, I've seen the website so screw it. Does that make me a raving total lunatic?

rainbowwillow · July 2014

I wouldn't stress about missing it. We only went because I'm a FTM & really had no clue what the hospital process is all about.
Pretty disappointed there were only 6 private rooms. They said they do their best to let everyone have as much private time as possible but it still makes me worry. The doubles are tiny.

Nuclearcupcake · July 2014

I think you'll be fine not going. I didn't go when I moved at 32ish weeks and it didn't make a difference.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

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shevaCC · July 2014

I don't think I'd worry about it in your case either. I wouldn't want to bring my one toddler on an evening tour, much less if I had two to contend with and an out of town DH. As long as you know where to show up in labor, they should be able to tell you everything else as you need to it.

Maybe also ask ahead of time about food? Is there a 24 hour cafeteria for you after you deliver or how should you get food then. And what about for your DH?

kiley820 · July 2014

I'm a FTM and we are not doing the hospital tour either. While I'm familiar with the hospital, they just did everything over including the L&D unit. I actually had to go a few weeks ago for an ultrasound and was second guessing our decision since everything is so different now. At my last appointment I asked my OB to answer a few questions I had as far as hospital stay/policies though and that made me feel better. He even said it's more for peace of mind and get you familiar if that makes you feel more comfortable. Honestly, like PP said as long as you know where L&D is you'll be fine. And actually. ..a friend of mine ended up walking into the ER when in labor and they just brought her down to L&D so, there's that. As long as you know where the hospital is you're good to go

lookame3639 · July 2014

When i had DS i didn't take a tour. I had a basic idea of where to go when in labor but that was basically it. In the grand scheme of things it didn't really make a difference but it does help set the mind at ease to know more about their hospital policies which you learn on the tour.

vk2204 · July 2014

I am a FTM and we aren't doing a tour.

Familyhugs922 · July 2014

Nope..I am using a different hospital & not doing a tour....There are only 2 here, and most people i know have had babies at the one I will be delivering in. I have had nothing but positive comments & I have visited a bunch, so I know where I am going. No need to do it "just because."

workmm01 · July 2014

No. We went on one, but I don't feel like it's made a huge difference for me. It was pretty much what I expected.

Valancyy · July 2014

I was expecting something juicier, like, should I get a new puppy at 35 weeks pregnant?

I'm a 3rd time mom as well, delivering at a new hospital. We didn't go on a "tour" per se, we just stopped by and met with a nurse. I want to deliver at the birth center located in the hospital, and all the rooms were full (there are only 3), so we didn't even get to see one. I was mostly concerned with where to park, how to get up there, how it's laid out. We saw all that.

So, no, I don't think you're crazy. You've been through it before, you know the basics.

sharkmama39 · July 2014

I would just double check that you can see it without the tour of you do want to check it out. Our hospital if pretty strict about who gets in to protect the babies, so unless you're with the official tour you can't just go and check it out.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

I guess I'm the oddball out here, but I'm really glad we did a tour. I'm a FTM, though, so I was anxious to see how it was all going to go down...so this being your 3rd, I'm not sure you'd get the same benefits. I liked being able to see the rooms, so that once I'm there and in labor, I won't be wondering what's behind that door, etc. I was happy to hear from the guide just how things will happen (if all goes as planned) as far as what they'll do with baby when he's born, how long we'll be hanging out together after the birth before moving to the pp floor, what procedures are done where, etc. I liked getting a feel for the floors (though I supposed I could have from their website, too), and I also liked seeing the views out the windows (I know, that's so low on the list of important things, but, it was nice anyway). Our tour was loaded with great information, but also didn't take too long. I was really impressed and definitely happy we did it. I feel like I'll be more at ease when I arrive there in labor.

GinnyJ2012 · July 2014

We did the tour because its a different hospital from where we delivered DS, and I wanted to know where to go. We took a labor class with DS, so we never did the tour, and the nurse told us the wrong place to go! Not something you want to find out at 5 am while in labor! But if you know where to go and can ask your OB any specific questions then I'd say you're good.

Jennicillin · July 2014

OK.... this is actually a huge relief! My husband is gone, we just moved, 8 months pregnant and alone trying to get settled, the LAST thing I wanted to do was cram in a hospital tour. Not happening!