What special things did your hospital do?

[Claki]

What things about your hospital where you delivered or where you will deliver excite you? I am actually mining for ideas for my job... trying to think of cool things that maternity unit can do to engage new mothers.

Were there any really neat giveaways, extras, support features? Pretty brochures and handouts? Special events for mothers-to-be?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I had ds2 at a birth center and the bag they gave rocked. No formula coupon or samples, which I preferred as a bf;ing mom. (IIR, even the bf'ing formula giveaway bag that I got at the hospital with ds1 still had coupons and other formula enticements.) The bag at the birth center had coupons for a local Music Together class, postnatal yoga and other things like that. The Mother Love Nipple Cream sample was the best! There was some trail mix and coffee samples in the (the coffee one made me laugh...something sleep deprived parents could indeed need!). It was definitely skewed "crunchy" but I preferred that to overly commercial.

It would have been nice with ds1 if the prenatal exercise class I attended had some sort of "reunion". Maybe a potluck or just a simple bagel spread would be nice. They had a postnatal class but the same people didn't attend both.

I don't know, I didn't really want or need a lasting relationship with the hospital. The birth center, maybe, since it felt like a smaller community.

Anyway, a good variety of classes offered at convenient times to both working and non-working families would always be good.

Beth

[Tondi G]

the few things I remember loving... when I had DS1 I had a nurse who came on shift. She was so great, worked in the Lactation center and discussed the need to stay hydrated and make sure I was drinking enough. She brought in a new mom "cocktail" it was essentially all the juices the hospital had mixed with a ton of crushed ice.... apple, orange, cranberry I think. It was yummy and made me feel like someone actually cared (not just doing their job).

When DS2 was born (different hospital) they had elderly volunteers who knit a small hat and a pair of booties for each baby born in the hospital. They were sweet!

[SnuggleBuggles]

When DS2 was born (different hospital) they had elderly volunteers who knit a small hat and a pair of booties for each baby born in the hospital. They were sweet!

Yes! I forgot about that! At the hospital with ds1 they had knit hats that volunteers made. It was adorable!

Beth

[Myira]

DD was in special care and would need to be there while I was discharged on paper. But the hospital offered to let me stay at no extra charge as long as DD was not released since they had rooms available. That meant a lot to us at the time.

[DebbieJ]

The hospital where I had DS2 did very, very little. I couldn't wait to get out of that hell hole.

[LD92599]

Ours brought us a really nice keepsake blanket with the name of the hospital on it in blue or pink along with the daily newspaper from the birth day; all wrapped in a large white box wrapped in blue ribbon. I thought that was so sweet! I would have loved the hat to be more than just a white knit hat (DS1 has a hat from where he was born that said the birthplace of XX) or maybe a onsie w/ the name of the hosp. etc.

[lizzywednesday]

I delivered DD at a specially created unit within a children's hospital due to her heart defect.

DH & I got a welcome packet & a lovely photo frame.

I got a very nice bathrobe, which I still use despite the fact that it's pink (I despise pink) and a handmade totebag that I used for pump parts while I visited DD in the ICU both during my stay & after discharge.

There was also a great assortment of handmade knit caps for all parents to choose for their babies.

What I wish they would add is the option of parents being able to have "receiving room" photos taken of their baby, like they would a "normal" baby. I know that's not something every parent wants, especially if their baby is ill, but I wanted it & it wasn't available.

[infocrazy]

I delivered at a great hospital but they did very little. I did get a knit hat, but I was really hoping to have the footprints but our hospital doesn't do that anymore.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I delivered at a great hospital but they did very little. I did get a knit hat, but I was really hoping to have the footprints but our hospital doesn't do that anymore.

I just brought the page in from my baby book and they were able to do the footprints on them. Maybe you need to bring ink as well nowadays. :)
Beth

[MoJo]

This is probably well outside what you can do, but it is absolutely why I chose my hospital and why I have recommended it to other moms-to-be.

My hospital has a small three-bedroom birth center for those who wish to pursue a non-medicated birth. But because it's at the hospital, you're right there if you or baby need more assistance. The rooms have jacuzzis for water labor/birth. There are regular beds, not hospital beds, and your family including other kids are welcome to be present or hang out in the family room as you wish. Moms are encouraged to bring their own snacks from home & can eat/drink as they wish during labor. The nurses make fresh bread to welcome each baby, and families are welcome to make/bring their own birthday celebration foods.

Most of all, they are not in any hurry to take baby from mom assuming baby is healthy. Nursing can begin almost right away. It was hours before the first bath. My least favorite part of my first birth (that started but did not end there) was that the nurses took the baby away for testing/measurements/bath and gave my DH a lot of info that I needed but didn't get while I was still on the delivery table and before the first feeding.

We started going to this hospital for the birth center, but have chosen the same hospital for other needs in part as a result. There are several hospitals in this area, and probably at least three that are closer to us.

[lmr1101]

At my hospital every new mother as they left the "labor area" and was being moved to their official room was given the chance to ring the bell. I can't remember which song, but it played a lullaby that went through the entire wing of the hopsital so everyone knew another baby was born :)

For the mom's they had full spa services available in the room! They also had a photographer who did the pictures in my room. It was great! I was able to get a manicure the day after dd was born, just before her pictures! All while she was sleeping in our room.

[BabbyO]

Our hospital plays chimes throughout the hospital when ever a baby is born. DS' were played a couple of hours after, because he was very impatient and in the chaos it got missed...but it was really nice.

The hospital had a little gift bag with playing cards and tissues and mints maybe.

Volunteers make knit hats for each of the babies.

There is a special dinner made for you and your SO/spouse on which ever night of your stay you choose. I got steak and asparagus. I don't remember what DH had. It was the first of many cold meals since DS insisted on being nursed minutes after dinner arrived....but it was a nice celebration dinner.

We received 3 different bags. They were all from formula companies...but it was nice to not have to purchase a diaper/outing bag for our sitter.

There is an LC on call and a BFing group that you can attend while in the hospital and for as long as you want after being discharged. The times never worked well for me, but I went a couple of times and there were moms there with 6+ mo babies. I thought that was pretty cool.

I will second the recommendation on a prenatal class reunion/get together. You kinda get close to the people in your class, then you don't even know if and when they've given birth. At the very least, an optional contact list would have been nice (where people could put their contact info on if they want).

I can't say much for the labor part of being in the hospital since I didn't labor at the hospital at all...but I vaguely remember them showing us a jacuzzi and birthing balls, and other things to make labor easier, family more comfortable, etc.

[sunshine873]

I was in the hospital on bedrest for 4 weeks before DD was born. Twice a week there was a "get together" in one of the conference rooms down the hall. The nurses would wheel me down there (you could walk if allowed) and I'd get to talk with other mom's "waiting." We would do some kind of craft. We'd make memory books, little photo albums, journals, etc. It wasn't really a big deal, but it was so great to have a reason to get out of my room. Once my dad brought my dogs to the hospital and my Dr's allowed me to go outside in a wheelchair. So I got to spend a little time with my pups in the courtyard. Talk about rejuvenating! :)

Once DD was born, the NICU was incredibly supportive and accommodating. They had a library of books about newborns, preemies, how to deal with sick babies, etc. That was a wonderful resource. DD was given a hand-made crochet blanket, which was really quite special. We still have it and she'll snuggle with it from time to time.

I'm a little bit jealous of the mom that got a manicure! I totally could have used something like that after spending months in the NICU...

[SnuggleBuggles]

Serial posting on here...the hospital where some friends had babies offers a fancy, candle lit dinner for mom + 1 sometime during their stay. It comes to the room. My friends looked forward to that "date".

Beth

[happymom]

The hospital that my SIL gave birth in plays a lullaby over the loudspeaker (softly) every time a baby is born. My sister was there when SIL delivered my nephew and she heard "his" lullaby and was so touched. Just a small, sweet gesture.

[Dr C]

The midwives who delivered DS gave him a bib (a good feeding bib not a little drool bib) with their logo on it... It still makes me smile when I use it for DD over 4 years later. During the delivery they lit the room with xmas lights which was soothing and peaceful (low budget, too!).
Something I took for granted after DS's birth was being allowed to stay in the same room after delivery. The morning after DD was born I was uprooted and moved to a different room at aproximately 4 AM (no, I wasn't awake). That was annoying and gave DH a heck of a scare the next AM when he couldn't find me.
I love the idea of playing a chime or lullaby every time a baby is born--I have not heard of that before. I also LOOOOVE the manicure idea, as well as the date night.

[AnnieW625]

With DD1 we got the traditional baby bag with formula, and a paper with her foot prints on it. We also got a bag of diapers, mini pack of wipes, and a travel baby bath care packet. We also got a can of formula, which was nice even though I was breast feeding as a just in case.

With DD2 they didn't give us much just the little hat saying she was born at______Hospital. I did have a private room with DD2 and that was all worth it. The only thing that would've made my stay better was if they had let me have children as guests. DD1 couldn't come to the hospital because Kaiser was being super anal about no guests under 13 because late April was still considered flu season. We didn't get any formula, and no other extras. I didn't even get to pick my first meal after birth.

ETA: With DD2 I got a nice packet of information including car seat safety tips from Safety Belt USA (the owners of Car-seat.org), which was just huge for me because in the past 18 mos. I have come to realize the importance of extended rear facing, and child seat safety in general. With both girls I loved the medical staff, and that I got to spend time with my babies as soon as they were born. Both hospitals were clean, and close to home so honestly as nice as a nice steak dinner would've been and an ocean view room from the hospital (but it was 30 minutes away) I was very happy with our choices in hospitals where I delivered my healthy girls. Both hospitals were also super supportive in regards to breast feeding, which with DD1 was great because I honestly wasn't sure I was going to breast feed her until I held her in my arms when she was first born.

[misshollygolightly]

I really like our hospital. Nothing over the top (man, that manicure or date-night dinner sounds amazing!), but very nice and comfortable. Private L&D suites with in-room jacuzzi tubs and showers (jacuzzi tub was a total godsend), DVD players, etc. After the birth, you (or your DH) could ring the little "new baby" chime. The recovery rooms (not sure if that's what they're actually called?) were comfortable with a second couch/daybed thingy for DH to sleep on. One of the best things was the snackroom/kitchenette where you or your guests could go any time to help yourselves to food (they kept it stocked with string cheese, yogurt, mini ice cream cups, fruit, brown-bag lunches with sandwiches--great for DH since he didn't receive hospital meals like I did, granola bars, and the like). That was fabulous! DH never had to worry about leaving the hospital and grab a meal at McDonald's. The hospital had a variety of informative shows you could watch on the TV in your room (covering newborn-care topics, etc.). Lactation consultants were available. We were sent home with a formula company bag stocked with freebies, some dipes and wipes, etc. Our hospital also runs a free lactation clinic which was super-helpful to me in those first weeks and months. They were happy to weigh your baby before and after feedings, help you with your technique, etc. The hospital also has a milk donation program that is just fantastic. I volunteered to donate, passed the requisite blood tests, and they hooked me up with brand-new free Ameda Purely Yours double-electric pump (to keep!) and as many bm storage bags as I wanted (for my own personal use and for collecting and donating milk). There is no minimum donation amount required--just give as much as you're able and willing to give.

[Melanie]

Nothing. It was totally unremarkable but I'm glad they didn't harm us or sneak my child off for secretative shots and circumcision (oh the horror stories that went through my brain!). LOL.

What I would have liked:
-toiletry kit. I *get* a mother should have this, but I didn't (birthing center transfer) and I had NOTHING for basic hygiene needs.
-lactation consultant, 24/7.
-support group for breastfeeding mothers.
-support group for new mothers.
-coupons for local take-out (LOL) for those first weeks at home.

I should say, I think I did go home with a slew of stuff...pamphlets, magazines, diapers, formula (eyeroll - that was nice to give the new mom who needed breastfeeding help as their ONE LC was on vacation). But it was the usual bag of freebies.

Yikes! I forgot the steak dinner. Yes, they did that. It was sweet. Unfortunately my husband was outside having a job interview over the phone and it got cold before we ate it. But that was nice. I wasn't a vegetarian then. ;)

[Uno-Mom]

We had a great experience but there were few fancy touches. It was just the great personalities of the nurses, midwives and THANK YOU LORD - lactation consultants.

A good friend just had a baby and the hospital took simple but lovely portraits of her daughter and both parents holding her. Just very simple, with a rose that complimented the baby's skin tone.

That would be inexpensive and special.

[carolinamama]

I think what I would have appreciated would have been awesome bfing support - frequent LC visits, nurses who really had an idea about bfing and supplies that went along with it like nipple cream, information, juices etc. And follow up, maybe phone calls from a good LC? The hospital where I had DS2 had an LC come in but it was like she was just going through a checklist that she had to do with all postpartum mothers. My night nurse was actually awesome about helping me bf because she had done it herself and took the time to care.

[Edensmum]

Wi-Fi it was huge for us as we were out of state and our parents got to see him on video chat.
They didn't do much, wrote his name stats Etc on a poster in the room.
I was also a birth center transfer and had been in the shower and water and had unspeakable things in my hair. Non horrible soap, conditioner and shampoo would have been really nice.

[WolfpackMom]

I delivered at a great hospital but they did very little. I did get a knit hat, but I was really hoping to have the footprints but our hospital doesn't do that anymore.

Same here! We got the hat, and then NCSU beat Duke 5 minutes after DS was born so they ran and found us another hat that was red and white! :love-retry: I was really hoping to get the footprints though and they dont do those anymore.

ETA Oh how could I forget this, not a "thing" but an action. The first nurse I got was kinda like not there it seemed, like she didnt care and was in and out of the room. Luckily within an hour there was the shift change and I got an AMAZING nurse who did not leave the me from the time she came in up until DS was born. All the other nurses seemed to just hang out at the nurses station watching their patients on monitors, but she was right there with me and explaining everything that was happening. I was so grateful for her actually being present in the situation and not like a random third party checking on us now and then.

[vludmilla]

I had the best hospital experience, except that DD was born unexpectedly prematurely. Anyway, I LOVED my hospital. The nurses never seemed rushed and were all fabulous. I had a private room that felt much more like a bedroom in a home, not a hospital room. There was a hospitality room of sorts with free beverages and snacks for me and DH to retrieve at our leisure. They STOCKED the refrigerator in there with individual cups of Haagen Daz. It was fantastic. They also made a special "last night in the hospital" meal for DH and I. We had a choice of lobster or filet mignon, champagne, appetizer and fancy dessert. They really tried to make it feel special. It was really fantastic. They were also good about lactation specialists and after care. They provided hand made hats and blankets made by volunteers. They provided pictures of DD shortly after birth for free. They provided extra pumping kits for free as they knew I would be pumping a lot for my preemie.

[tmahanes]

My experience was awesome but maybe because of my nurse. I had a friend who is a L&D nurse who they let come in on her day off and be my nurse!

The L&D was its own special section of the hospital with its own OR an all if necessary. Once you checked in the room you were placed in was yours until you left. You had the baby there and you and baby stayed there. It had a couch thing that unfolded into a bed for DH. WiFi. TV. The only thing they moved you for was if you had to go to the OR. It also had its own kitchen so you had yummy meals instead of normal hospital food.

There was a room that had snacks and drinks for family if you wanted it. Each baby got a hand knit hat. They did footprints. They also did pictures in the room. We got a couple of formula bags.

[goldenpig]

For my first baby, I really appreciated the great food. They had a "room service menu" that you could order whatever you wanted from the menu for yourself AND your husband and they would bring it to your room anytime. That was so nice because I didn't have to worry about DH going out to find food for himself, or having the trays delivered when I was trying to sleep. And they had a special celebration steak dinner for us (complete with Martinelli's apple cider for "champagne"). Such a nice touch!
I didn't get any of that for DS at Kaiser, but I wasn't there that long after his birth anyhow.
Definitely agree that availability of lactation consultants is important. They also had a group BF support meeting every day for new moms which was also helpful.

[marymoo86]

I don't recall anything super special - big gift pack from formula makers but I did rack up on supplies. This was a birth center attached to the hospital but not as natural friendly as you would expect. Nurses for the most part were good - the LC sucked.

Honestly things really wouldn't have made the moment more special but more specialized attention on how to do things, what to look for, how to handle, etc would have been much more appreciated post delivery. The labor nurses were awesome except the actual nurse there for the delivery. I could have done without her.

Wolfpackmom - I bet we might have delivered at the same hospital. Go Pack!

[hopeful_mama]

I don't know if this is standard, but every room (post delivery) had a whiteboard you could see from the bed. At every shift change they wrote the nurse's and the tech's names, plus for the daytime shift the nurse would ask you what your biggest concern for the day was (e.g. breastfeeding) and they'd write that on too (plus the date). I found it very helpful as I never had the same person twice and my memory was shot, and I felt like concerns I might have would be less likely to be forgotten.

The rooms were somewhat nice, especially the L&D room, but otherwise there wasn't much special or fancy, they printed out a big fancy congratulations sign but misspelled DH's name and really, where would we put it anyway, so we didn't take that home. I know our local hospital has a cart come around with ice cream from the local gourmet ice cream shop, moms seem to like that.

I would have loved to have been able to keep my own medicines in my room, in my own possession. I was told the hospital pharmacy would have them all, but they substituted for many meds with ones I had a reason for not being on, and when DH went all the way home to get mine they had to be given to the pharmacy and it was a huge hassle every time to get the right ones and my food would get cold (I take most with meals), and we had to wait a long time for them to be returned to me at discharge. It was very aggravating to not be able to take my daily meds (MFM and ped approved) as I normally do.

[WolfpackMom]

I don't recall anything super special - big gift pack from formula makers but I did rack up on supplies. This was a birth center attached to the hospital but not as natural friendly as you would expect. Nurses for the most part were good - the LC sucked.

Honestly things really wouldn't have made the moment more special but more specialized attention on how to do things, what to look for, how to handle, etc would have been much more appreciated post delivery. The labor nurses were awesome except the actual nurse there for the delivery. I could have done without her.

Wolfpackmom - I bet we might have delivered at the same hospital. Go Pack!

I am betting we did as well since the other major hospital here doesn't have the birth wing quite as separate! I did have a pretty good experience overall, but it was in and out real fast it seemed which was fine by us. I know some ladies who did not have as great of experiences there, but I think thats what happens at any hospital! One thing I found funny was a nurse went and raided the closet to get me dermoplast and ice packs and all kinds of things for me to take home with me without my requesting extras, that was nice of her.
I wasn't in love with the LCs there, but I think that had to do with me getting horror stories about them from a friend so I kind of brushed them off from the beginning. My night nurse was actually very helpful in trying to get DS to latch and gave different tips on keeping him awake etc, some would frown on this but she even used formula on my breast to trick him into nursing which worked and she did it without making me feel crappy about it.

[elektra]

I love my hospital!
Ocean views in both the delivery room and recovery room.
Aromatherapy for delivery
Little knit hats for the babies
Special steak dinner

I had the same nurse (just one) thoughout the whole delivery for DD. It was so much more peaceful than I imagined. The ocean view sure helped too!

[AnnieW625]

I love my hospital!
Ocean views in both the delivery room and recovery room.
Aromatherapy for delivery
Little knit hats for the babies
Special steak dinner

I had the same nurse (just one) thoughout the whole delivery for DD. It was so much more peaceful than I imagined. The ocean view sure helped too!

I honestly wish I would've known about your hospital when I moved here and months later got pregnant with DD1. I have since met many moms who have delivered their babies there have been beyond happy, but by the time we had DD2 we were back with Kaiser and I didn't want to switch insurance mid pregnancy like I did with DD1. I did notice though that Kaiser Sand Canyon is now offering a steak dinner too to compete with your hospital, but again was just as happy not to have to drive to Kaiser Sand Canyon to deliver.

[shawnandangel]

My hospital has a massage therapist come up and give the new mom a foot massage. It was SO awesome.

I got the standard formula diaper Similac bag, but I didn't mind. I thought it was rather nice and I still use that bag!

The hospital also has a "birthday" class where all the moms get cake while they learn to care for themselves post-partum and for their new baby.

[KLD313]

There wasn't much I liked partly because it wasn't in my plans to be at a hospital but I like that they gave you a little brown paper bag with your dinner that had snacks in it for later. Since the food was disgusting I was basically living on the little snack bags of cookies and chips, not healthy but it was all I had.

[s7714]

Our hospital's newly remodeled L&D ward now offers a "new parent dinner" for the mom and dad in the hospital room while you're there. It's supposed to be some fancy, multi-course dinner with champagne (or a non-alcoholic option) that's put together by a local chef. We'll see what it's like in a couple months. ;)

With my other two DDs, I received a bunch of coupons which included a free haircut at a local salon, at least two free meals (for two adults) from decent local restaurants, etc. The expired any where from 3 months to 1 year after delivery. I never took advantage of them, but I know some of my friends did.

I know my hospital did have a free, cheap toothbrush and generic toothpaste in the little personal care bag you get, but I really would have appreciated a hotel like selection of care items--like shampoo, lotion, etc. in the hospital bathroom.

[bostonsmama]

Our hospital made you a special new parents meal, but it was pretty gross. They aren't gourmet chefs down there, so I knew the steak would be overcooked, but the chicken was even worse--stuffed w/ artificial cheese and overcooked broccoli.

We got footprints on our baby book page. I did get nipple shells from Medela (for free from the LC) to air out my raw nips. I don't remember any other freebies.

[cckwmh]

my hospital did the chimes when a baby is born. my parents were with us up until i was told i had to have an emergency C section. It was a quiet night and I was the only pt in active labor so when my parents heard the chimes, they cried.

my DH was given a wrapped gift from the volunteers, and it was a book. I love that I have picks of my 1 day old DD being read to by daddy.

[mg1278]

The hospital where my SIL delivered had a deal with a local photographer, who would come to your room and take newborn pictures. There was no charge for the session and it was optional. They got really nice pictures of our nephew, and I'm jealous because my hospital doesn't even do the traditional newborn picture and I'm not ambitious enough to take a brand new newborn out to get pictures done.

[elephantmeg]

The hospital that my SIL gave birth in plays a lullaby over the loudspeaker (softly) every time a baby is born. My sister was there when SIL delivered my nephew and she heard "his" lullaby and was so touched. Just a small, sweet gesture.

the hospital I work at purchased this program but after a week it was discontinued d/t complaints from staff/pts who were dealing with infertility/loss and patients who were there for d+c's etc. I thought it was nice though!

[Tammy]

room service available
special dinner for me and DH
nice bag with info in it, along with Sleepsak
photographs where they come to your room and take them and you have several pictures to choose from

[daisymommy]

I cannot believe the difference between hospitals across the country. I must live near the worst in the country--or so it seems. They did NOTHING nice at all. It was all just one annoying experience after another, and it seems like they didn't even try to think about making it nice for new moms.

I can understand a little better now why I am skewed towards wanting nothing to do with hospital birth (had #1 in the hospital, #2 in hospital birth center which still wasn't great, and #3 at home to get away from it all). The staff was even worse than the overall setting.

I'm happy for you gals that you all have some good memories of nice things done for you at your baby's birth.

[ahrimie]

I really loved my hospital experience. DD was given a regular hat (nothing fancy, just a thin striped hat) right after she was born but the nurse put a "bow" on it. It was just gauze gathered in the middle but it was REALLY cute and I was touched that someone would add a little something. When the bow fell off during my stay or her hat got lost, the same nurse must have replaced it. Later, I found out that not all of the little girls got a bow like that so I'm not sure if it because my DD was extra cute or something... :P just kidding.

What I loved BEST though was the parenting program you could be a part of. They had day groups for stay at home moms and evening groups for moms and dads. We met after about 3 months post partum and with similar aged babies from the hospital. We had a facilitator assigned to us and every now and then speakers would come too. I think we met for 6 months or so, a group of 20 women. It dwindled down towards the end but I still meet with 3 of the moms regularly and they have become very dear to me. It's also cool to see that our kids have become friends.

[indigo99]

Reading what all the other hospitals do makes me kind of jealous so I'm not going to finish.

Mine did give me a little elastic bracelet with the baby's name spelled out (someone there makes them in her free time). I used it as a nursing bracelet to remember which side to start on.

They didn't actually GIVE us a receiving blanket, but one of the nurses told me that I could take the one that DS was wrapped in. Of course it was old and worn out so next time I'm going to watch for a newer one and keep it instead.

The nurse also made sure that we took the extra pads, disposable panties, diapers, wipes etc that were in the room and already opened. She said that we'd paid for them anyway, but I wouldn't have taken them on my own.

The special dinner sounds really nice. We had to pay for DH's food, but at least he could call down and have it delivered to the room with mine instead of having to leave me and go to the cafeteria.

[Smillow]

Reading what all the other hospitals do makes me kind of jealous so I'm not going to finish.

:yeahthat: I didn't have the greatest hospital experience (compounded by DH being an ass). I could not wait to go home.

[tmahanes]

:yeahthat: I didn't have the greatest hospital experience (compounded by DH being an ass). I could not wait to go home.

This makes me sad.... maybe I will go back to TN to have the next one! ;) might be a long drive in labor!

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk

[newg]

They did footprints for each DD......they each got a few of the super cute knit hats.....and the hospital sends home a ceramic "bootie" with the name, date, birth, weight, time, and doctor who delivered printed around the outside of the shoe. It brought tears to my eyes the first time because I wasn't expecting it, and the second time around I couldn't wait for it to be delivered in the mail!

Overall the hospital just had great nurses, which makes a world of difference!!

[catsnkid]

In room dinner for parents. His name on a piece of construction paper with his foot prints- petty complaint is that they used my maiden name as his last name, but oh well. He got a nice hat right after his birth. The other hospital in the network does the chime thing, but they are phasing out the maternity ward there.

[Momit]

Ours did a "fancy" dinner for the parents one night. You ordered from a limited menu and dinner was served with sparkling cider and a (fake) flower arrangement on the tray. It was a nice touch.

[MamaMolly]

At my hospital every new mother as they left the "labor area" and was being moved to their official room was given the chance to ring the bell. I can't remember which song, but it played a lullaby that went through the entire wing of the hopsital so everyone knew another baby was born :).

I can't do multiple quotes, but there was another person who replied with something similar...It sounds cheerful and sweet on one hand but my only thought against something like this is a mama who may be there and *not* experiencing a happy ending, hearing that lullaby over and over might be crushing. Since the OP is asking for ideas to implement, I would caution against something like this.