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February 02, 2008
At the Hospital
We spent eight hours in the Chester River Hospital Center today learning about pregnancy and childbirth. I went into the experience deeply skeptical that there was anything to learn. I already knew it all. Or so I thought. Apparently, this is not the correct way to hold the baby.
Did I feel foolish when the nurse pointed out my error in front of the other expectant fathers? I did. But I felt redeemed when Robbi showed herself to be no more adept.
After a little instruction, we both came around.
Overall, the class was very informative. We learned about the various stages of labor and childbirth, practiced some breathing exercises, and watched a movie that took a nitty gritty look at the mechanics of bringing a baby into the world. The most startling revelations, at least for me, were in the realm of blood and guts. What happens in the delivery room stays in the delivery room. At least I hope this is true.
The Chester River Hospital is a small, community hospital, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. There are four delivery rooms. On very busy days all four will be occupied, but on average, there are 25-30 births a month, so the chances of having to compete for the attention of the doctor on any given day is low. Which is a very good thing, given that there is only one OB in Kent County.
At my request, the nurse arranged for us to meet a real live baby. In fact, we saw two. They were incredibly small. I had a hard time accepting that they were the same sort of creature as I. I am having a hard time accepting that two months from today, should the current projection hold, I will be charged with the ongoing care and maintenance of a similarly small and bewildered thing. I mean, what am I going to do with it? Presumably it will want for entertainment, stimulation, edification. With what kernels of wisdom will I fill its tiny brain?
Here is one of the rooms in the maternity section.
Here's a closer look at the birthing bed, complete with stirrups that may be whisked into proper position with a mere flick of the wrist.
Although the bed seems pure and white, I have it on good authority that very messy things happen here with great regularity. I think it would have been better if we had been designed with a zipper that opens when the child is ready to emerge from the oven, or a drawer with a recessed handle that could be pulled when the appropriate meter suggested that the proper time had come for removal.
At the Chester River Hospital, babies stay in the room with their mothers throughout their stay. Rather than being whisked away to some nursery to lie with other babies, that is. Here is the baby's bed, complete with a warming rack akin to that which keeps one's hot dogs warm at a gas station.
Should any of you harbor thoughts of visiting Robbi and her baby in the Chester River Hospital, I will post the visiting hours.
The nurses of the Chester River Hospital, in an effort to protect mothers, newborns, and even the weary fathers, allow visitation only three hours a day: noon to 1:00pm, 3:00-4:00pm, and 7:00-8:00pm. Debbie, the head nurse and our teacher for today looked deadly serious when she explained the visiting rules. I'd not cross her, if I were you.
Posted by bogenamp at February 2, 2008 07:46 PM
Comments
At least you didn't leave your baby alone, naked and sprawled out on the table like someone else in your class did.
Posted by: Marigold at February 4, 2008 01:22 AM