Hospital Tour

We went to the hospital tour last night. The birth center at the hospital is called The Family Place. It was reassuring to see the place and know exactly where to go when we are frazzled during labor. The rooms are quite nice and they contain everything for the mom and baby. The baby never leaves the room so the family stays together at all times. They are large rooms with private bath, including whirlpool jet tubs for use during labor. The lights are easily dimmed and there is music available. They assign one nurse to you when you arrive and they stay with you the whole time as your labor support. The tour guide described her much like a doula (a hired labor support coach) who is trained in all techniques to help a laboring mom. I thought that was really great. They are actually really supportive of natural labor techniques and often the tour guide said that things that go on at other hospitals do not happen here, there are no routine measures taken except periodic fetal heartrate monitoring. The monitor is cord free however so it doesn't prohibit movement and can still be used in the tub. The tour guide was very adamant that we could do what ever felt right to give birth, going so far to say that if we wanted to squat in the corner to push the baby out, that was fine. That honestly just got Sean and me giggling a little bit, but I understood her point. I am feeling very happy and comfortable with the hospital now, although it is making this seem more and more real. I don't know if I am ready....