In Episode 255 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson discusses why taking a hospital tour is an essential part of preparing for childbirth. From understanding hospital amenities to getting a feel for the unit and reducing anxiety on the big day, Hilary covers the numerous benefits of a hospital tour. Listen in for practical tips, insightful questions to ask during your tour, and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with your birthing environment.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- a hospital class isn't meant to take the place of a tour, but it is a great addition to a great class like that one!

Timestamps:

00:00 Hospital amenities vary; inquire during your tour.

04:28 Familiarize yourself with hospital layout and procedures.

08:43 Consider hospital and sibling tours post-25 weeks.

10:36 Your support significantly boosts our podcast growth.

Keypoints:

• Hospital tours are valuable for choosing the right hospital for delivery.
• Many hospitals offer virtual tours post-COVID, sometimes with a nurse answering questions.
• A hospital tour serves as a dry run for driving to the hospital, parking, and finding your way inside.
• Touring the hospital helps you understand the available amenities, such as room features and provided toiletries.
• It’s an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the layout and location of the maternity unit within the hospital.
• Knowing whether you’ll stay in the same room or move to a postpartum floor can lessen anxiety.
• Prepare a list of important questions tailored to your specific needs and concerns for the tour.
• Understanding nurse-to-patient ratios can help gauge the level of support you’ll receive.
• Hospital tours can offer insights into common practices and the birth culture within the unit.
• Sibling tours can help prepare older children, making them more comfortable with the hospital environment.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

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