Question for BTDT moms......

After you have the baby, how long before the family starts rushing in to see all of you?
I am asking because our families plan on waiting in the waiting room once they get word that we are headed to the hospital. I don't want to go through labor, be totally exhausted, not have time alone with DH and baby for ourselves, not get a little nap in or time to freshen up a bit & then have everyone rushing in. Can someone tell me what to expect or what they did please?
I'm such a worrier.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

Anyone?

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

At my hospital, and I think at every hospital, no visitors will be allowed in immediately after the birth until you and the baby are settled, and YOU give the okay. It's totally your shot to call.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

I had Luke at 1:50am so I didnt have anyone (other than DH & my Mom who were in the delivery room) so I can't answer the question from experience but I'd try to persuade them to wait for the call at home. First it could be a long wait (hopefully not for your sake ) and second, like you're saying, you sound like you want time to get yourself together anyway, no matter what the policy is. I would think...that the hospital doesnt let people in though. I delivered at Winthrop and they were very strict about letting people in the L&D area. In fact, they told my Mom that once she was in, she was in, they didn't want anyone going in and out of the delivery room. Can you imagine people milling about if God forbid a newborn needs some emergency care?

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

Our families want the call as soon as we head for the hospital even though it could be a very long wait before baby arrives. I just wanted to see how everyone handled it or if you actually have a little bit of time to yourselves hopefully before anyone is allowed in to visit.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

At my hospital - we do call the shots - the nurses will ask - so&so is here , do you want to see them yet? (during labor and I believe it is limited to grandparents only)
and I believe only grandparents were allowed to see the baby (through the viewing window)at any time after birth once they were in the nursery. Otherwise it is once visiting hrs start.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

our situation was a lot different , because Sophia was in the NICU so nobody was allowed in there to see her.

But my friend delivered and the baby was fine, and her family was there, but the nurses made sure not to let anybody in until she and her husband were settled.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

Nobody but DH will be allowed to visit me while in labor. I am firm on that and the family agrees with me so I am fine there. Its right after that I am concerned with. I'll have to check hospital rules.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

I had this same discussion with my family before Molly came. Orginally I said that I would call after I got to the hospital and knew what was going on. I mean, you could go to the hospital and be sent home and then you will have these people coming home with you! don't say anything about your plans because people get all bent out of shape. I would just say you will call when you are leaving but in reality wait until you get to the hospital and then see what the doctors says. That way you don't feel any pressure. And if people want to wait, then let them wait. You won't know who is in the hospital anyway :D
Do not feel rushed to allow people into your room after the baby is born. Once you deliver, the baby will need to be observed for a bit in the nursery anyway. You will be going to your room at that point. Tell the nurses that you want private time with your husband and baby for a while. If you want to bf the baby, do that first. You need calm for that- not a bunch of people rushing in to see you and the baby.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

You're right Michele. I will try to convince DH NOT to call anyone until the dr confirms that it is the right time after I am seen.
Hope he agrees.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

My DH and I decided that no one is going to know until after the baby arrives.... Well, our parents will be called, but that's it!

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

I spoke to DH. He agreed that we would let the family in our room to see the baby when I am ready. Until then, they can wait in the waiting room or see baby while in the nursery.

Re: Question for BTDT moms......

Lyla was born at 4am, and the only family that came immediately was my sister and sister-in-law. My mother is passed, my in-laws are in FL and did not come up here right away. So, my father came later that morning, and 2 of my friends came.