Hospital / Birth Center Tour

Sprite2012 · April 2017

Have you been or have you scheduled? I'm switching hospitals from where I had my first, and I'm really having anxiety over this. I don't know why! I scheduled a tour for next Monday. I'm curious if anyone else has done one for this pregnancy.

jena333-2 · April 2017

Our hospital does scheduled group tours. We will go on one of those, but I haven't read over the paperwork yet. I have met with the lactation specialist, and we had our NT scan done there. So I'm happy with what I've seen so far.

Rhubarb7216 · April 2017

My hospital includes a tour as part of the childbirth class they offer. The childbirth classes are only open to patients 32 weeks and more, so we'll do the class and tour then.

SummerGirl21 · April 2017

I'm delivering at the same hospital where I had my other two, so I'm not bothering with the tour. But I did with my first, and I would if I were going to a new hospital.

harleyquinn0621 · April 2017

my hospital recommends doing their tour when you're 7 months I think... so im waiting a couple more months before I do it

mrswynn2014 · April 2017

I went on a tour/ took child birth classes with my first. I'm really glad I took the tour because I like knowing where I'm going and where I will be. If I was switching hospitals I would want to take another tour.
They have changed the childbirth center since I had my 2 year old, but I just visited my friend who had a baby recently and it didn't seem much different

Sugargirl1019 · April 2017

Does the OB's office typically give you information about these tours? Or do I need to contact the hospital directly?

iheartichi · April 2017

@Sugargirl1019 I contacted the hospital directly and scheduled one last time. I'm glad we went so we could see what to expect. We also did the class that showed videos of medicated birth vs non-medicated and went through al the steps of labor.
Also, was it you who was asking about cute comfy pjs? I got some passed down to me from old navy, super super comfy!! And DH likes them because they're not sweatpants and a t-shirt. Tag says Old navy intimates. Softest pants ever.

Sugargirl1019 · April 2017

@iheartichi Yup that was me; thanks!

HollyGolightly09 · April 2017

I'm not going to do one... but, my OBs office is at the hospital and I walk by the labor and delivery unit every time I go, so I feel pretty comfortable with it. If it weren't for that, I would definitely do one because outside of my appointments I know nothing about the hospital.

wineren · April 2017

My hospital offers a free child birth class, breast feeding classes, newborn care class and baby safety class all of which I signed us up for. They also have a free sibling class (for different age groups up to 7), grandparent classes (to update grandparents on current best practice sort of stuff), a class designed for women who have already have kids but want a refresher and after the baby is born they have an infant massage class (that one has a cost but it's super minimal). They also host a weekly post partum meeting. The other hospital in town has similar classes. My OB gave me info on them but it was also all online. They also offer tours separately from the class but we'll just go then.

coastalmomma2 · April 2017

Hopefully our new hospital will be officially open by the time LO is born in September. With DS I did a maternity tour that alleviated some of my anxiety. Planning on doing it again once it gets closer to my due date since we should be in a new facility.

sugarrush · April 2017

@Sprite2012 I share with you in your anxiety! I have switched hospitals for this birth (only because of my insurance change) and I do plan on taking a tour. Part of me feels like its a waste because I know I am having a c-section and they don't give tours of the operating rooms, but at least I hope to check out the recovery rooms and learn about services available post-partum.

ColoradoHiker · April 2017

We've moved since DS was born, but I saw the maternity ward when my bff had her son last year. I may see if they do quick group tours, if DH wants to see it. Last time, it was a part of our childbirth class.

kelseyrayay · April 2017

Here is my advice. Mainly for first time moms: If they offer birthing classes or breast feeding classes take them! I regret not taking the breast feeding class. I really think it would have helped me with my DS. Also I know in Georgia if you don't take a epidural class and sign a paper saying you want one you don't get it. So make sure you check that out when you are asking about classes and such

Ae_Lovely321 · April 2017

@kelseyrayray that is some inhumane treatment withholding an epidural because you didn't take a class on it. I feel like some of us FTM are going in with intention of going "drug free" but once that labor kicks in everything is up for change.

jessieR358 · April 2017

kelseyrayay said:

Here is my advice. Mainly for first time moms: If they offer birthing classes or breast feeding classes take them! I regret not taking the breast feeding class. I really think it would have helped me with my DS. Also I know in Georgia if you don't take a epidural class and sign a paper saying you want one you don't get it. So make sure you check that out when you are asking about classes and such

I think they do this in Kentucky too? My SIL had to take an epidural class. Some moms can't just take off work whenever and go take a hospital class. What a ridiculous policy.

kelseyrayay · April 2017

@Ae_Lovely321 I agree. I had no idea about it either until someone I'm my A15 bmb told me. So I called the hospital and asked and they said they won't give it to you unless you have taken the class.

Sprite2012 · April 2017

@kelseyrayay That's pretty ridiculous. I wonder what the reasoning is? An epidural is expensive and hospitals make money on them. I can't process why a hospital would deny you one because you didn't take a free class....

kelseyrayay · April 2017

I'm not sure. I was surprised as well. I think a main reason is because it can paralyze you and they have to show you all the risks and such

SquattingGryphon · April 2017

I did for DS (who was born just 17 months ago) and I'll be delivering at the same hospital so I won't bother this time around. But i found it very helpful when I went last time. Esp at my hospital - the building is ancient and very maze-like.

jutondreau · April 2017

I didn't do tours for either of my last two and won't for this one (all different hospitals). I worked L&D & surgical services as a nurse prior to becoming an NP, so maybe this is why I didn't feel it was necessary. I think it's great for easing anxiety and giving you a time to ask pertinent questions that you might not think of otherwise. I've worked at hospitals where no class = no epidural. While I don't agree with this practice, I understood it from the perspective of the anesthesia teams. That being said, find out if your hospital has this policy and go to the class regardless of what you are planning (med free, hypnobirth, water birth, etc....). ALWAYS better to have ALL OPTIONS open because those with this policy will not change it no matter how much you beg, scream, cry. (Unless, of course you have a c/s...then of course, you get a spinal, general, or an epidural depending on the situation).

Want a personalized experience?

Hospital / Birth Center Tour

Re: Hospital / Birth Center Tour

Choose Another Board

Search Boards