Hospital Tour
We recently changed our gynaecologist, for various reasons, and really could not be happier. One of the first suggestions he made was that we go on a tour of the maternity ward at our chosen hospital. This sounds pretty obvious, but taking into consideration all the preparations that we are making for Jandri, the obvious frequently gets overlooked.
We have chosen Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt for the birth. We made the choice based of recommendation from a few friends that also gave birth at the hospital and we have only heard good things.
The tour comprised of an information session within one of the birthing rooms with a continues Q & A. During this session the apparatus as well as the sequence of events are explained. We then were taken to view the ‘babyroom’ where several new-borns were being attended to by the nursing staff.
The tour ended with the nurse explaining the procedure to follow when booking your bed at the hospital as well as what to pack in your and the babies hospital bag and the procedure to follow when the baby arrives and you are heading to the hospital.
Jani and I found the tour very informative and it put our minds at ease about fears we had. I highly recommend going on a similar tour when you have decided on a hospital for the birth.
Just a few things before you go on the tour:
You do not have to book, but there is a schedule so call ahead and make sure that there is a tour available when you want to go, we were on the last tour for the year.
The tour starts at 11:00 every Saturday and last between 20-40 mins, depending on questions asked and availability of the rooms. Your hospitals’ tour times may vary so contact them beforehand.
You will be standing for most of the tour so it is best to go as early in the pregnancy as possible to avoid discomfort for mommy.
Generally the maternity ward will be kept at a slightly higher temperature than is usual to benefit the babies. As such it is good to were ‘summer’ clothing when going on the tour especially for mommy.
