Hospital visitor policy

So, we heard rumor of a new policy on Monday, we called about it yesterday, and were able to confirm today what the new policy is. During my hospital stay, I am allowed two (2) visitors. One being my support person (aka Brandon), and one other person. Now, it's not two visitors at a time - no, two visitors TOTAL. During my ENTIRE hospital stay - labor/delivery/recovery.

Apparently, this is set up by the health board by number of people checking into the hospital because of the flu, and since pregnant women and newborns are the highest risk, they're clamping down on everything. Now, if the number of people checking into the hospital with the swine flu rises, they'll clamp down even more - only the laboring mother and their significant other.

Now, as far as the kids - they're still not allowed, but the women's center is trying to be accomodating. They've set up a webcam in the downstairs gift shop/lobby area. From what we understand, there will also be a camera where we can be with the baby (in my room or elsewhere, I don't know), so the kids can still come to the hospital and "see" him. That helps me feel a little better about the situation, although it is still frustrating.

So, if you were planning on coming to see us in the hospital - it's a no go. They'll turn you away and send you home. I don't know the "rules" of the webcam (i.e. if it's just for the siblings and grandparents or what), but you can always ask about it. And, since the mother and baby floor (aka recovery) is the 3rd floor, it won't really help to hold the baby up to the window so you can see him. But, just watch the blog - pictures will be coming (once he comes), along with the story of his entrance to this world. :)