I had to arrive a half hour before the tour to pre-register for my hospital stay, fill out some paperwork, and visit some vendors. The information at the tables was GREAT and I picked up my fair share of pamphlets.
When the presentation started, I felt like I was in an infomercial. They gave demonstrations on exercise balls, swaddles, slings, and a DVD from some world famous Pediatrician names Dr. Karp. He's the baby whisperer, and swears that his techniques will give you a happier baby. His techniques include shaking your baby and making loud sounds right in his/her face. I don't know who was more confused... me, or the baby in the video they had us watch. Here's a clip of him in action.
From there they went on to talk about the hospital, and what it'll be like when delivery day comes. It's all pretty basic, but the big letdown was when they told us that no children under the age of 18 are allowed to visit, which means I wont be able to see my niece and nephew till I go home. So sad. :(
One thing that really stood out during the presentation, is their stance on breastfeeding. I know I've touched on this before in a previous blog, but a few things they said really got my blood boiling. They told us that within an hour after delivering a lactation consultant will come in to help with nursing, and if we had no intention of breast feeding... too bad. They said that whether we like it or not, we WILL be breastfeeding, and bottles are not allowed. Ummmm excuse me? Yes I said I do plan on nursing, but since when is it mandatory?! I think every woman should have to right to decide what they want to do with their bodies and their child. I turned to my husband and whispered, "Dare me to bring bottles and pump on delivery day?" He chuckled, but I think I'm gonna do it just to piss everyone off.
When the tour began, we got to see the nursery where a fresh new baby was being looked over, and we got to check out a postpartum recovery room. The smell of the hospital and the sight of the bed brought back very sad memories of my last days with my grandparents, and from there on out, it was a struggle to hold back the tears and anxiety. We saw the waiting room, nurses station, and paternity testing office (very classy), then headed into an actual delivery room. This is where I shut down. The bed looked like a torture table complete with big scary stirrups and plastic sheeting. There were monitors and wires and an equally scary bed for my baby. The room was dimly lit to create that romantic feel, but when our tour guide pointed out the spotlights on the ceiling that will be pointing directly at my lady bits, I grabbed my husbands hand and held on for dear life. Shit just got real.
We rode home in silence when it was all over and devoured brownies and ice cream (don't tell my nutritionist). My husband said it still hasn't hit him yet, but my mind is still reeling. Whether I like it or not, this baby is coming, and all I can do is pray for the delivery to be as quick and easy as possible. I've never been more scared.
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