Hospital Tour Tale

Ah the long-awaited hospital tour - an event that was both nerve-racking and interesting...

Firstly, let me sing the praises of the staff at Durbanville Medi-Clinic. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful and kept on reiterating that they are there to ensure the birth experience is happy and special for families. If the tour was anything to go by, then they'll definitely make good on their promise to give the best service imaginable.

There was a short presentation which effectively and concisely covered all the administration procedures, all the services the hospital offers and what happens during the hospital stay. The best part was hearing the fathers get excited when they were told they'd raise a pink or blue flag outside the hospital heralding their child's birth. Trust the boys to get all pumped up about raising a flag for the baby ha ha ha!!! But as we learnt, dad's are very much a part of the experience and they actually have a lot to do while us moms relax.

After the presentation, it was off to the maternity ward. Our group was the first to go and we got pretty lucky. Just as we got into the ward, a brand new baby was being wheeled in from theatre where it had been delivered by C-section. The baby's father was one of the tallest men I have ever seen and he had to duck to get in through the door. Of course, he was positively glowing and the ward manager gave us a few seconds to observe the new dad bonding with his little one. As if that wasn't enough, a few minutes later another mom was wheeled out for her C-section. The nurses apologised to her profusely for us being there but she told them it's quite alright, smiled, waved and said hello to everyone as she left the ward.

The ward itself is super duper quiet and most mom's are lucky enough to end up in a room by themselves. An average of about 4 or 5 babies are born at the hospital each day which is very little by comparison to other hospitals. This is why, although the ward has semi-private rooms i.e. one room takes two moms, most moms end up in a room alone. Dads are welcome to be there as much as they like and the nurses are happy to show them how to bath and handle the new baby.

Getting to the actual labour and delivery room was where my nerves kicked in. Trevor, typical guy, walks in and the first thing he notices is the Lazyboy chair for the dads. Because we were the first couple in the room, we were the last to walk out. Trev took the opportunity to practice where he'd stand during birth and familiarise himself with his space. I just laughed at his comical display.

Being in the room was a reality check. For the first few minutes, seeing all the equipment and medical supplies scared me witless because birth became very real. By the time I walked out, I was ok. I'm a pretty strong girl and I'm confident that my doctor and the staff will guide me through the process carefully. I had a chat with my friend Carlyn who also gave birth in the same hospital and she assured me that the room becomes a lot less scary once the labour process is in full swing.

Once the tour was over, we got cupcakes and juice and had a look through the gift bag the hospital gives to every new baby and mom. It's choc-a-bloc with goodies to help see us through the first few days. We're also quite excited to see what the romantic surprise is that the hospital arranges for the parents before mom and baby head home.

So, all that's left is for us is to book our bed and get pre-admitted which will be done after our next appointment on 13 February where we'll also meet our new doctor. That day will also be the fourth anniversary of my and Trevor's engagement and it's both mind-boggling and exciting to think that baby will be just four short weeks away by then.

The clock is officially ticking...