Thursday, January 3, 2008

Hospital Orientation and most recent OB visit

Last night we went to the maternity ward tour held at the hospital where Roo will be born. Despite our mutual jeering and smart ass comments, we are both very happy with the hospital. The birthing suites are quite cozy and comfortable without an overly hospital feel. The lights are able to be dimmed, there is a TV and DVD player as well as a tub and shower. There are 3 chairs in addition to the bed. You are encouraged to get up and move and walk to help labor progress unless complications require you to remain in bed. Up to 3 people may be there to provide support and assistance at all times, including the actual pushing. The hospital promotes skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth for at least an hour. After that time, baby goes to the nursery for a weighing, bath, and warming as mom is moved to the mother/baby room. Once baby is clean and maintaining body heat (takes about an hour), baby returns to mom's side and remains there unless mom needs to go for a procedure or requests baby return to the nursery. When we went on our tour, there were no babies in the nursery. The hospital is also renowned for it's NICU as well. Many babies are transported there from other hospitals. The rooms are semi-private (only 2 private available on first come first serve basis for extra $$) Usually only one mom is actually in each room. If the unit is busy, they try to place a new mom with a mom about to be discharged as to allow for as much privacy as possible. Security is good. All babies have matching arm band numbers as both Mom and Dad. The Women's Center staff all have badges with a specific colored picture background to assist patients in knowing who is on staff in that department. Lastly, each mom and baby receive continuous care from one nurse, so she can get to know you and your needs.
There were also vendors at the orientation, where I learned of a diaper service in the area. Now we need to decide if this is something we are interested in or if I want to go ahead and buy and wash the diapers. http://www.dy-dee.com/
This is the start of our prenatal classes. They continue one a week with Feb. 19th being our last class. We have breastfeeding classes (2 weeks), becoming a parent, baby care basics, and preparation for childbirth (3 weeks).
Today, I had a prenatal visit. Everything continues to go well. I gained 3 lbs. this month, for a grand total of 19 lbs. gained so far. My belly is the size it should be and Roo appears to have turned and no longer is breech. No ultrasound this month, just the Doppler, which Roo didn't really like as he batted at it the whole time. We have reached the point where our visits will now be every 2 weeks, unless there is a problem.
**TMI alert**
As far as how I'm feeling: I am noticing that I am more tired than I had been, but not too bad. The heart burn continues now and then but isn't continuous. My mid back and occasionally lower back hurts by the end of the day and it is difficult to find a comfortable position, even in bed, but I am sleeping pretty well regardless and waking feeling better than I did the previous night. Roo continues to be very active and at times the kicks, punches and stretches can be painful. His position is definitely putting pressure on my bladder as I need to go more often and I can feel pressure in my pelvis. So far, nothing really major to complain about. We remain healthy and happy.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you made a good choice of hospitals; that's fantastic that they promote skin to skin contact. Roo shouldn't have any trouble maintaining body temperature, skin to skin is the best way to help him regulate that :)

YAY that he turned! That's terrific. I'm so glad everything is going so well for you!

hugs,
C

Unknown said...

We use a diaper service for Cam and really like the cloth diapers. They pick up the soiled ones once a week, and deliver fresh, clean diapers the same day. We keep the diaper covers until he gets too big, then exchange them for the next size up. I love that it prevents mountains of diapers from piling up in the landfill, and (TMI) it seems that it is easier to clean poop off of his butt when he is using the clothies. We use disposables when we travel or go out.

Mother Nature's Diaper Service