Since I switched insurances so late, I also had to switch the hospital I was delivering at. Which I must say, is a godsend!! At my old hospital, I saw a nurse each time I had an appointment, and I wouldn't meet the actual doctor that would be delivering until I went into labor. Which I hated. Now, I know my doctor will be there. At my new hospital, you labor, deliver, and recover in the same room (unless you have a cesarean). And from the time the baby is born, as long as they dont have to go to NICU, they stay in your room the entire time, unless you ask the nurse to take them. They dont have enforced visiting hours, so my family will be able to be there whenever they can. They allow cell phones in the room. And on the night before you leave, they even give the mother and father a special celebration dinner. They have up to a level 2 NICU. And 24 hour pediatricians. If we would need an emergency c-section, DH can be in the room with me, along with one other person. They allow cameras/video cameras (although I already told DH NO video cameras LOL). It just seems like the really go out of their way to accommodate the parents & baby, as well as visitors.

I'm assuming most of you who go on tours have already done this? I was like the farthest along person there! But I had already toured my old hospital... How do you girls like the hospital you will be delivering at?

umm, my hospital decided that they will do "virtual" tours online from now, which you know, gives the EXACT same experience as walking around in person actually would. UGH.

The hospital that I delivered my first two at were very much like what you describe EXCEPT we didn't get a dinner. LOL I think I will have to complain when I get to that point with my pregnancy.

My hospital isn't my first choice, but it's okay. I love my Dr. so that makes up for it. I would MUCH rather be at a birthing center, but nothing around here. I do like that they let you room in with the baby and like you, they labor and deliver in the same room.

I would throw an absolute fit if they didn't let me go on a tour. I plan on going twice more so I'm super comfortable with the place.

Sounds like your giving birth in a Hotel compared to what we get in the UK!!

(Although ours is free unless you choose to go private!)

In our hosp its normally assesment room (see how far dialated you are) then Labour Ward/room and then when LO arrives your shipped up to a ward which is shared with other people (you get your own room if your very lucky or willing to part with £60 odd per night) Cold Tea, soggy sandwiches & lots of waiting around!!

Thats my experience anyway!!

Sounds like you got it good tho!!

xx

Oh wow, I want to go to your hospital! lol. Sounds like you hit the jackpot

Mine is ok, we have private rooms but have to pay separately for it, they allow cameras/videos but you have to ask for permission first. I'm not sure if they baby stays the entire night with you but will see later I guess . It was the same hospital I gave birth to my son at so I know where everything is.

Thanks girls.

Aqua - I would be so mad if they didn't let me tour it. I dont think a virtual tour would really be sufficient for me... Maybe you can ask if they might let you just come look around so you know where to go and what not?

Holldoll - Thats a good idea to tour it a few times so you are really comfortable with it. Why dont you like your hospital? Switch docs and come to San Ramon!! HAHA LOL. Jk.

DeeStar - I was gonna ask about the beer/wine thing. I love love love wine, I probably miss that most out of what I cant have. My DH works for a big winery here, and I was thinking he could get a nice bottle of wine and I could maybe have a glass. Do any of you know if were allowed to have like one glass if we're breast feeding? Its really cute, where he works, they will like engrave into a wine bottle for you like pictures and words and stuff, so I thought it'd be cute if he got one. I miss my wineee...

I haven't really seen a lot of tjhe hospital Im delivering at. I loved the one my mum had my brother in but I dont fancy having to drive 100 miles when Im in labour! lol

Out of the two hospitals in the area, the one Im at is my favourite anyway. I dont think we get treat ANYTHING like that though. I wish! One of my main worries about being in hospital is the my OH wont get to stay with me and I dont want him to leave coz Im terrified of hospitals. So it sounds great at your hospital that they dont enforce visiting hours.

xxx