Pregnant ladies and ladies who had their babies...

I was just wondering how many of you went on a tour of the maternity ward before you went into labor?? I did, and the reason for this thread is to recommend it to EVERYONE and their partners before they have a baby. It helped me sooooo much. They answered all my questions about my stay at the hospital, what to do when I get there in labor, when visitors can come and so on. I was really anxious before I went because in my mind I thought of the hospital being noisy and busy with people everyewhere and it really made me anxious about my labor. It was really quiet the lights were all dim, really it was quite calming and I just wanted to suggest going to everyone. It really helped.

I haven't but I've thought about it. I am not sure which hospital I'll be going to - hopefully the one that is 1 mile away from my house, but if there are complications we may have to go to the "big city" hospital where my OBs also have priviledges. I meant to ask them about that yesterday but my mind was preoccupied with the contractions I've been experiencing I completely forgot.

No worries - my next appointment is only two weeks away.

i´ll give you some advice (maybe willnot be your case) WRITE YOUR NAME ON A PAPER, also LAST PERIOD and DUE DATE, i was asked for that like 50 times while going through contractions, and it wasn´t easy or enjoyable.

I did. It was nice to look around. The best part was the pre-registeration! Walked right in, bypassing the registration people, and was escorted to a labor room.

(no one asked me any questions when I was having contractions! I would presume by the time you are on the labor and delivery ward they have your name down pat, know you are pregnant, that your due date is kinda close, and your last period was about 9 months ago.)

I haven't yet, and am not sure if that's an option, but now I will be sure to ask.

I have to go in for stress tests twice a week now, so I'm pretty sure I'll learn the lay of the land really quickly.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I didn't with any of mine. They love to talk to you while you're in pain. Guess it's fun or something. :D I wasn't asked too many questions though.

When I was in labor with my twins (my last pregnancy) I signed the consent form to have my tubes tied. At the time I didn't know it was illegal for them to ask me to do that while I was in labor. :o Wish I knew that at the time.

Oh Yes and pre-registering is a must if you have the option. When I got to the hospital having contractions every 3 minutes, all my hubby had to do was give them my name, my Ob's name and my due date. They confirmed my address and we were good to go.

If you have the option do it. If nothing else, it is helpful to know exactly where to go.

I did and it really helped to know your way around the hospital for when you go into labor.
The most amazing thing I saw in my tour was the NICU and how tiny some of the preemies were.

Next week I am starting my ante-natal classes at the hospital where I will deliver. During the classes we get a tour of the maternity ward, plus meet all the midwives ahead of time. They also arrange a consultation with the anaesthetist to discuss epidural etc, so by the time I arrive in labour they will have a "birth plan" for me documenting all my specific requests / requirements. This is especially important for me as I am planning on banking the cord blood, so they need to know ahead of time to do that asap after the delivery.

Another thing I can strongly recommend is labour / breathing classes. With Amber they gave me pethadine (gas), but with Amy I was better prepared and did lamaze breathing through the labour, so had no drugs at all. Not sure what to expect this time - some people say that it will be like having a 1st baby again due to the age gap (14 years), others say as it is number 3 it should be a breeze!!

Well it has been 13 years since i had a bub, but yes I also attended ante-natal classes at the hospital i gave birth, and I would also recommend it as well.

Good luck to all the expecting ladies here on PT!