| Dad's Diary |
| Archived Journal |
| Week 27 The Day at the Hospital/The Health Update Erika spent the afternoon at the hospital on Tuesday. She got a blood test and a shot to mitigate the Rh factor problem (see week 15 journal at www.jakecowan.com) and had a normal appointment with the midwives. However, the nurse forgot to mention that Erika had to fast for 12 hours before the test. So, the test might be tainted and she might have to do it all over again. However, the midwives still think the baby is bigger than he/she should be, so they scheduled another ultrasound appointment in two weeks. It appears the sole reason for this is to see if we should revise the due date. But, as a bonus we get another chance to see the kid and confirm the little one's gender. More to come on this in future journals. University of Chicago Hospitals The University of Chicago hospitals have a sterling reputation, at least that's what I read in the national press (especially the U.S. News rankings of hospitals), and the University certainly advertises this. However, in the last few weeks, Erika and I have heard numerous stories from mothers who had their babies at the U of C hospital and were highly dissatisfied with the process. It seems that the births go OK (which is good) but the aftercare is lacking. We've heard stories of misread or misreported vital signs, nurses refusing to let mothers stay with their babies after birth, and incorrect drugs being administered. Our neighbor apparently had a particularly bad experience, and her husband is a doctor at U of C. It almost got to the point where Erika was considering switching to another hospital for the birth. However, Erika talked to the midwives at her last appointment and was reassured that being under the care of the midwives is better, at least in that they are always available to respond to any problems. But, it seems like the mother and her family (read: me and Eunice) have to be on their toes making sure everything goes right. Hopefully, the hospital will live up to their national reputation. Cut the Cord, Pops At this week's appointment, which I did not attend, the midwives told Erika that I would have the honor of cutting the umbilical cord after the birth. This is great, except I have no interest in doing this. If I'm going to be in the birthing room, I want to be way up by Erika's head with no view of anything, uh, down below. It's not that I think I'd pass out or anything, it's just that I don't think that would really add anything to the experience. In other words, I can live without seeing the actual birth. I read an on-line account of one father's experience during the birth and he wrote that the nurses practically forced him to cut the cord, saying they wouldn't do it and that he had to--no alternatives. That's one thing I'll have to clear up with the midwives early on. No medical tasks for me in the room. Next week: Honestly, I have no idea! |