A Hospital Visit

As part of the Impending Baby Preparedness Procedures, our midwives suggested making an appointment to visit the hospital to familiarize ourselves with how to get there, where the entrances are, what the birthing rooms look like, etc. In case we decide to have the baby at a hospital, or we need to be transferred there, doing a quick tour seemed like a good idea. So about a month ago, we booked an early evening appointment at St. Michael's Hospital, the hospital where our midwives have privileges.

The maternity unit is on the 15th floor and I followed the stork symbols on the floor to get to the right elevators. About five other couples were there, and we listened to a volunteer describe which entrance is open 24 hours a day (the Queen St. one), where to park (at the Green P across the street) and other information. Some random things I learned:

• Circumcisions are offered, and cost $300
• Telephone service is offered at $15 for the duration of your stay
• Partners may sleep in the room on a black reclining chair the hospital provides
• Television is $10 / day
• Moms get three meals a day, nothing for partners
• The hospital provides eight or so diapers, you should bring more
• There are bathtubs in the birthing rooms, but you can't give birth in them
• Only the partner plus one other support person (e.g. midwife) is allowed in the birthing room

One woman asked whether her doctor would be there. The volunteer said that it would be unlikely as they do 24-hour rotations. Hearing her describe the two visits in total she's had with her obstetrician made me glad that we have a midwife. We've seen her once a month for the first two trimesters, then biweekly and now weekly. Each appointment lasts from 45 to 60 minutes long and we never feel rushed.

We got to see the semi-private maternity rooms, where mom and newborns hang out afterwards, as well as the nursery where they keep some babies under observation.

The most important takeaway lesson from the visit was: come to the Queen St. entrance as it is open 24 hours and has wheelchairs at the front.

After this visit, Flick and I are leaning more towards having the baby at home.