Hospital Tour

Yesterday we had our hospital tour.  I was excited about it because I felt like it would help me feel more prepared and give me an idea of what to expect during the labor and delivery process.  I have to admit I have been a little nervous about the labor part but after yesterdays tour, I feel a lot better about it. 

Assuming I go full term, we will deliver at Kaiser Peramanente. I actually feel really good about delivering there because they are big advocates of natural delivery. I might be a Republican but I do have a little bit of hippy in me (must be my Eugene roots!).  The hippy side of me really wants to have a natural birth.  Now, clearly I understand that this is my first child and I really have NO IDEA of what kind of pain I am doing to endure during this time or what kind of complications may arise.  I hope for the best but will try to mentally prepare for the unexpected. Therefore, I won't be disappointed if my birth plan doesn't go as I would like it to. Flexibility is key! However, we have a midwife and many of the support nurses at Kaiser are very knowledgeable in different positions and techniques to achieve a natural birth.  So, with my hubby by my side and medical support that encourages natural birth, I feel that the odds are in my favor.

So, back to the tour...Cody was excited to find out that each delivery room and postpartum room is equipped with a mini fridge and T.V.'s. This was good news to him just in case I go into labor during a Beaver football game and he has to tailgate at the hospital.  Unfortunately for him...the hospital has made if very clear that MOM'S are fully in charge of room lighting, temperature, and THE T.V.'s, not DAD'S!

I was excited to find out that the hospital has jacuzzi tubs to manage labor pains and the delivery rooms are large in size.

The maternity wing of the hopsital was super quiet while we were there. We didn't hear any women in labor but we heard a crying newborn on the postpartum floor.  Just hearing that baby cry almost made me emotional. I can't believe that in only 11 weeks, we will be at the hopsital holding our little man and hearing him cry for the first time.  I can't wait to meet him!