Tour of Sibley Memorial Hospital

We took a tour of Sibley Memorial Hospital today! The next time we go there, it'll be go-time and baby Lima Bean will be on her way! How exciting!

We already took a birth class, which was held at Sibley and included a tour of the maternity ward. But the class was two months ago, and we wanted to refresh our memory and ask some more questions that have come up as we start packing our hospital bag and preparing for the big day.

It was definitely a good call to take the tour! I'm so glad we did it! On our first visit to Sibley, we were only able to see a labor room. On today's tour, we got to see a different labor room plus two postpartum rooms, a semi-private room and a private room. Plus, we saw the nursery and a kitchenette for use by spouses.

Here is what the labor rooms look like:

Naturally, I prepared for the tour by making a list of questions. I looked at this list from iVillage to get some ideas. I also checked out this list from the Huggies Baby Network.

I thought it would be helpful for our family and friends to know more about the hospital and what to expect... So here are my questions and the answers. Enjoy!

QUESTION: During labor, I understand that you are not allowed to eat anything except ice chips. Could I could bring popsicles and hard candy to use with or instead of the ice chips? Also, do the rooms come with a mini fridge? Where can we put snacks and drinks for my husband?

ANSWER: Yes, you can bring popsicles and hard candy. But having them during labor is really up to your doctor, so check with them. You can also bring snacks and drinks for your labor partner. There are no mini fridges in the rooms but there is a full-size fridge in a shared kitchenette and you are free to use that fridge, sink and microwave. Also, there is a cafe downstairs that sells coffee and pastries. And there is also a cafeteria.

QUESTION: Is there wireless in the rooms? Outlet plugs? Can you bring an exercise ball for birthing? What else should you bring?

ANSWER: Not sure if there is wireless in the rooms, but there is free wireless in the Windows Cafe. Technically, you are not allowed to use your cell phone in the labor rooms, but... You also can't take any video or pictures during labor or of the staff. There are outlet plugs in the room and a TV with some stations. However, if you want to watch DVDs then you need to bring your own DVD player or a laptop to watch them on. You can bring an exercise ball.

QUESTION: How long should I expect to be in the hospital?

ANSWER: For vaginal deliveries, expect to stay two nights. For c-section deliveries, you'll stay for four nights.

QUESTION: What about my spouse, can he stay over and if so, where does he sleep?

ANSWER: In the labor rooms, there is a recliner chair for your partner to sleep on. In the postpartum wing, your spouse can only stay overnight in the private rooms -- not the semi-private rooms. In those rooms, there is a chair that converts into a bed. Insurance only covers semi-private rooms, so if you want a private room you need to request one upon check-in and expect to be billed $215/night. Note that private rooms include your own shower. Semi-private rooms share a shower across the hall. (We are SO GETTING a private room!!!)

QUESTION: What is the rooming-in policy with babies? Do they stay in the room with you the whole time?

ANSWER: Yes. Each room has a bassinet for the baby to sleep in and the baby is kept with you at all times. If you do need to sleep, you can ask the nursery to take the baby and give them instructions as to whether to bring them back to breastfeed or give them a bottle.

QUESTION: Speaking of breastfeeding, is there a lactation consultant on staff? What are their hours? What if you give birth in the middle of the night, is there someone who can help you try breastfeeding for the first time? Also, do you have breastfeeding classes for new moms? Rent pumps, provide equipment?

ANSWER: Yes, there is a lactation consultant on staff. If they are not working when you deliver, the labor nurses should be able to help you breastfeed. The hospital offers a free breastfeeding class every morning at 11 a.m. You can rent hospital-grade breast pumps. You can also get fitted for a nursing bra and purchase other nursing equipment and products at the hospital.

QUESTION: What about visitors? Where do they wait during labor and when can they visit?

ANSWER: Each patient is allowed one partner who gets a wrist band that allows them to be at the hospital 24/7. Otherwise, visiting hours are 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. During labor, family members can hang out in a comfortable waiting area with couches on the 3rd Floor, which is down the hall from where the labor rooms are.

QUESTION: What else should I know?

ANSWER: If you arrive after 9 p.m. or before 5:30 a.m., go to the Emergency Entrance. After you register, you and your partner will get bracelets and then proceed to the birthing floor, which is located on the 3rd level. Note that all labor and delivery nurses wear green scrubs and green ID tags, for security. When your baby is born, they will get a bracelet like yours.

Bring your baby book because after the nurse takes their footprint, they can also make a print in your book!

There is a free discharge class available to new parents the night before you leave where you learn baby skills like bathing, etc.