Tour of Duty

Yesterday, Dan and I took our tour of the labor facilities at the hospital where I will deliver. The birthing rooms are very nice. There is a large delivery bed that looks pretty comfortable (for a hospital), the lighting is very dim, and there is a TV and radio. There are also a couple of reclining chairs for guests. In a little nook at the side of the room is a heater/cradle for the baby. S/he will stay with me at all times after delivery unless there is a problem or I request them to take her to another room.

The hospital recommends that you stay for at least 24 hours. It's when you get to the overnight rooms that the quarters are not too accomodating. The bed is a lot smaller (the whole room is a lot smaller). There are only small folding-type chairs for guests, but you can request a cot to have one person spend the night with you and the baby. I don't remember seeing a TV or radio in that room though. What am I supposed to do for 24-48 hours?? I guess feed the baby and sleep, huh?

Our visit really cemented everything for me and got me even more scared. I was thinking to myself the whole time, "This could be the very room that my baby's life begins in." The whole thought is quite overwhelming. I know I will get through it (as if I have a choice), but it doesn't make the thought of it any simpler. I am bringing a person into this world.... WOAH!