My Hospital Orientation

If you are having your first child or your first child at a particular hospital, you want to have an hospital orientation. My husband and I had ours today and I am glad that we did. They were able to answer many questions for us.

I think this step is important because every hospital is different and has different policies and procedures.
Here is an overview of what we learned.

1. Call Ahead

If I think that I am in labor I was advised to call my doctor to see when she recommends me to come to the hospital. When we chose to come to the hospital we are to call them ahead in order for them to be prepared for us. We were also told that if you have a scheduled induction or c section, we were told to call labor and delivery to see if they had a room available. If they don't have room then they will tell us to wait at home for awhile. Or we could sit in the waiting room. That's no fun.

I am sure most hospitals have this policy. This is the process that I have witnessed on all of the labor and delivery television shows.

2.Admitting or Assessment

We were told that if we are scheduled for a induction or c section we would check in at admitting. However, at this point my husband and I are not having an induction therefore, when we are in labor we will go to assessment.

They gave us very clear instructions about assessment. I am to stay in the car while my husband informs the staff that I have arrived. Then, they will bring a wheelchair for me. I don't think I will need this but whatever, right. I hate how things are so medical. I'm not sick, I am just having a baby. But I digress.

Then they will assess me to see if I am in labor. They say I could be in this stage for up to 4 hours. One person is allowed in the assessment room with me. The guild recommended that we not call other family members at this time because they may send me home. And the waiting room isn't very big.

At the hospital I am planning to deliver at has a service called OB Express. This means that I can register for the hospital before I go into labor. This will avoid me having to answer insurance questions during labor. How annoying would that be?

We were also told to bring a 2 bags but to leave the big bag in the car until after the baby is born.

3. Labor and Delivery

• Natural Birth

We are planning for a natural birth. This means that our labor experience will be different than other birth experiences. They informed us that they will ask me some questions which my husband can't be present for. They said it's for legal reason. I understand they want to cover themselves but what? He is my husband and we don't have secrets but okay. I'll just tell him later.

• Birthing Options

While I am laboring I will have the freedom to move around. They have a bed of course, a birthing ball, and a tub and a shower. I think I also saw a birthing bar and stool on their website. If I choose to birth the baby in the water, they will use a portable tub, in order to have access to me on three sides. I know I might want to labor in the tub but I am not sure about birth. We will have to see.

• Monitoring and Eating

During labor I will be able to have a portable monitor. They will also allow me to have what's called a labor diet. I had asked my doctor about this but I need to see what I am allowed to have.

Since I will be going natural I don't have to have an IV but I will have a Hep Lock for emergency access. I don't really care for this but I understand their concerns.

•  People Allowed in the Room

During labor I am allowed to have 4 people in the room. In the pushing stage I am allowed 3 people in the room. This is not a problem for me because I was only planning on having my husband in there. But now I think maybe my mom.

• Discuss With My Doctor

She also stressed going over my labor plans with my doctor because they will follow my doctors orders. If you have read my birth preferences you know I have already cover my basis here.

• Inductions or C Sections

If you are having a induction or c section things will play out a little differently. You will have to be monitored more and you have to be on a liquid diet for induction. I am almost positive that you can't have any nourishment if you are having a c section because of nausea.

4. After the Birth

If all is well after the birth my baby and I will go to our room we will stay in until we depart for home. They have a nursery but my husband and I are not planning to us it at this time. He will stay overnight with us. At this stage, we can have as many visitors as we want. And I can eat whatever I want.

I will be assign a mommy/baby nurse and she will make sure that we are fine. The hospital will provide all that we need for the baby such as pamper. I do plan to bring a few outfits to take pictures and bring baby home in.

Typical a natural birth patient will stay in the hospital for 48 hours but it is the decision of the doctor. Here again I know they are just covering their basis but a midwife would allow me to go home sooner. Before anyone says something, I know, I know it is for the safety of me and the baby.

The pediatrician will come to the hospital an check on the baby to make sure that all is well.

They advised us to install the car seat ahead of time because the nurses are not allowed to help us with it.

Again, every hospital is different. If your hospital has an orientation class or a tour I would strongly suggest that you take it because we received a wealth of knowledge.