So, you’ve survived the CTG’s to date, blood pressure has been up, perhaps – in the case of pre-eclampsia. Bloods have been a bit up and down and perhaps there’s a bit too much protein in your urine.
Once this reaches a head, the inevitable happens. You are admitted. Or more accurately, your wife is admitted, since this is a Man’s perspective.
Maria was admitted no less than four times before the babies were delivered.
Each time, there were a number of things that rang true of the department:
1) The midwives are awesome. Friendly, supportive, sometimes perhaps a little tough love. But on the whole the entire team is fantastic. Genuine, caring, sympathetic……really quite something – and they do have a challenge on their hands.
2) The companions on the shared wards can be a bit of a lottery. Maria was lucky to be put in with a few very nice ladies, and she got on well with most of them. This can be a lifeline for your partner so these relationships should be nurtured and encouraged by the Man, whenever possible.
3) the Man will come into his own when it comes to food, fetching drinks, leg massages, anti-DVT socks, and clothing / personal accessory logistics.
4) There will be something you need to pop home and get, no matter how well organised you are.
5) The internet on the overhead TVs is barely even usable. Get a PAYG 3G card.
The food is pretty good, but none of this will stop your wife from wanting something on the home menu so make extra effort to bring things from home exactly as they would be enjoyed there. Keep carrot juice cold as you transport it in, for example, or serve things on the nice bread you might eat at home. All of this will help make your wife a bit more comfortable.
And put liquids in a tupperware container otherwise you will end up with carrot juice all over the picnic rucksack. 🙁
On the first day Wife shall be chirpy. On the second day the boredom will begin to take its toll. Day 3 can be taxing. You have been warned. And your wife will probably stay in for longer than that.
I recommend the Sizzling King Prawn ridge cut crisps. And head massages.
Good luck out there.
