A.C.
I was supposed to have my first child at North Hills (and I love so much about them!!! I like how educational they were, HOW they went about it, and liked that they were great about being allowed to move around and alternative ways to give birth). However, my water broke 6 weeks early and they weren't equipped for a preemie so early and so they had a talk with me and explained that I could have the baby there and he be transferred downtown, or I could go downtown to have the baby in a strange place by a stranger. I had spent a lot of time at North Hills getting to know the place, the staff (who are awesome), the way they do things, but I flipped out at the prospect that my first child may be in a NICU in another hospital; another town! Especially since we didn't have a lot of close friends here, and no family in the state. They had an ambulance take me to Baylor Allsaints, downtown Ft Worth.
Everyone was nice, starting with the paramedic who made sure I took note of the weather and sky so I could remember what the day was like when my son was born (small, but special now). The nurses were very kinda and attentive, even when I mentioned in aggrivation that the ER had called my room and said something about me having to do paperwork (the nurse promptly called them and said not to bother me and when my husband had time he'd do it), or when I said that IVs make me feel claustophobic and they stopped to explain why and asked me a couple questions, then corrected the problem. I've had lots of IVs in my life, but noone had ever done that! Again, small, but it makes a big difference if you're gonna be there for an entire day. At night my husband went home (he's tall and they didn't have anything good enough for him to sleep on): I DID care about that, but I don't know if it was b/c I was an "emergency" situation or not----DO check to see if there's sleeping arrangements for spouses and what they are. It was definately a priority when I chose North Hills. The nurses were attentive and came promptly when I called them to help me go to the restroom and stuff though. The doctor who took me on such short notice also ended up being AWESOME. I've had a lot of accidents and so I've had plenty of experience in hospitals, and I just generally don't like doctors of any kind, but she was not only very well equipped and knowledgable, she was also extremely gentle and had a calming way about her. When she came into the room, even when I was terrified (my first child, my mom's not here, Joe was going to be 6 weeks early, what's wrong, etc), she just had a very serious take charge attitude but balanced with bringing peace to the room immediately. Very kind. Her name was Dr Papa; I don't know Dr Decker. They were good about telling me what was happening, what the game plan was, and doing what they said. The only real negative experience I had in my 19 days with them was the stupid little boy (I know he was 30-ish but I hated him) who was supposed to give me an epidural. I was in a lot of pain by the time he came, and he wanted me in an awkward position as he gave it to me, but my spine was to tight and he couldn't get it through. Instead of apologizing for the pain and trying to make me feel better, he acted aggrivated after the 3rd try and my husband jumped up angrily at how stupid he was. I said nevermind, I didn't want it and the nurse took the idiot away and made sure he was disciplined for his lack of bedside manner. During labor, they made me feel safe even though it was an interesting experience to have my first baby without drugs, lol. They had staff from the NICU there in my room to assess Joseph asap, but immediately afterwards brought him to me and let my husband hold him. They brought me to my suite and were very good and kind for the next few days. However, the NICU staff were freaking amazing. They took care of Joseph for nearly 3 weeks and understood all my weird emotions and just really took care of both of us. They gently taught me what was happening at all times with him and what it all meant, they taught me how to change his diaper, clean him, take his temperature, all that stuff while he was in his little NICU crib, they allowed me to stay as long/often as I wanted (12-15 hours/day) and didn't make me feel like I was in the way. I took advantage of a small bedroom where I could lay down, use the breast pump, etc there in the NICU. When he was about to be released, they had me room in and take care of him myself (but could call them to bring milk at feeding times, or if I had any questions, etc). Not only were the NICU staff unbelievable, but the regular hospital staff did a good job of making me feel safe and looked after (which is a big feat b/c I hate hospitals and doctors). Again, I was there 19 days and I had one bad experience: the epidural. But I suggest that you go to the hospital and check it out, take a tour, take the classes so you get to know the staff, ask whatever questions you have (especially security for infants), voice whatever concerns you have. I DO think it's important to have a bed or lazyboy type chair that a spouse could sleep on though; I don't know if I didn't have one in the labor & delivery room b/c I was transferred unexpectedly and last minute, or if they just don't provide them. My family attended the 30th NICU reunion (a year later) and it was funny to see how many people showed up, of all ages (even graduating college), because they really did have good experiences there.
