We haven’t done ours yet, but it’s coming up very soon! 1/26-1/27, and it’s a hospital tour combined with a labor and delivery class. It should be informative. So far I only have one question on my list, haha. My major questions have already been answered. (Are private rooms available, can you send the baby to the nursery if rest is needed, etc) I can’t remember if I read it here or somewhere else, but I remember reading about a mom who was required to keep her baby with her 24/7 while in the hospital, and that was difficult for her because she had a very hard delivery and wanted to try and rest for a few hours the next day.
We did one with our first and the hospital requires you to do it with each birth. We will do it again around week 32. It’s also when we complete all of our pre-admit paperwork so when you’re in labor (or walking in for a RCS, like me) you don’t have to stop and fill out forms.
Make sure to ask what your your options are pre and post epidural, when and what you’re able to eat and how many people are allowed in the room.
@lilpotatomama yes, “rooming in” is becoming more common and some “baby-friendly” hospitals have eliminated nurseries to help increase breastfeeding rates.
We took a mini-one last weekend as a part of a big sibling class. I’m not sure if I’ll be having vaginal or CS yet so I have some more questions to ask but I’m not sure if I want to go on another tour or not.
We enjoyed the hospital tour we went on. It was fun to see exactly where our whole world is going to change. Since I'm having a CS I had a few questions. Like, how many are allowed in the operating room? I wanted to be there for the weight and measurements as well as the bath so I asked what their policies were on that. (Turns out they promote waiting a little while for the bath to allow the baby's body temperature to regulate.) First bath as well as measurements will be done in our room. If you haven't already ask if your SO is allowed to stay over night, as well as if they get meals too from the hospital.
During my hospital tour we were told that mothers won't be able to order food past 11pm. This was great to know in case I deliver in the middle of the night we know to get food from somewhere else and since I'll be up all night to pack snacks for myself. They also let us know that we can have outside-food delivered to our rooms.
@berky84 we only did one because we switched hospitals. I would not have if we did not.
This exactly. I’m only going to do one if I have the time and because we are at a new hospital. Although my sisters friend delivered there last year so I’m vaguely familiar enough that if it doesn’t work out I’ll be fine.
I didnt do one last time and it was NBD. My doc was located in the hospital though and gave me a shit ton of info so I didn’t feel like it was necessary.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
I guess it depends on how long its been since your first? They may have had some policy changes or something you may not have known about. If its easy I would go just to be prepared but if it was a pain I would skip it
Me: 32 DH: 31
TTC #2 since January 2018
Baby #1 DD Born 8/25/2016 BFP: 8/11/18 Due: 4/26/18
If they don't tell you, ask about how NICU stays work! Also, I wish I'd asked more questions about/taken more advantage of the breastfeeding support they had.
@berky84: I have to do it again even though it's the same hospital. But I don't remember it taking long and I don't remember anything they told me on it, so *shrug*.
@berky84 I'm a STM and I am required to do another one because it's my OB and hospital policy. I even questioned him as to why I needed to since I've done it before and I'm having a RCS but it's just policy.
Ask for the phone number for the intake labor & delivery desk, then save it in your phone. Try to find the one where someone actually answers the phone. If you need to call with questions you don't want to be googling and calling auto answer services.
So maybe I'm in the minority not knowing this, but a mom mentioned to me today that our local hospital may not allow visitors under 5 during RSV season (which I guess can go through until May?). I'm sure it varies by hospital, but I'm going to ask at my hospital tour in a few weeks and thought other ladies may want to ask also!
Re: Hospital Tours
I can’t remember if I read it here or somewhere else, but I remember reading about a mom who was required to keep her baby with her 24/7 while in the hospital, and that was difficult for her because she had a very hard delivery and wanted to try and rest for a few hours the next day.
Make sure to ask what your your options are pre and post epidural, when and what you’re able to eat and how many people are allowed in the room.
We took a mini-one last weekend as a part of a big sibling class. I’m not sure if I’ll be having vaginal or CS yet so I have some more questions to ask but I’m not sure if I want to go on another tour or not.
I didnt do one last time and it was NBD. My doc was located in the hospital though and gave me a shit ton of info so I didn’t feel like it was necessary.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
BFP: 8/11/18 Due: 4/26/18
@berky84: I have to do it again even though it's the same hospital. But I don't remember it taking long and I don't remember anything they told me on it, so *shrug*.