Labour ward tour

As the title suggests, we went on a tour of the labour ward.

Quite simply, it has confirmed with concrete certainty in my mind why I want to have the Wiggler at home. I understand that hospitals are a necessary evil, but childbirth is one of the most natural things in the world and, to me, the hospital is one of the most unnatural places in the world (when you stop to consider some of the things that happen in them).  The midwife lead rooms were OK, all 4 of them (!). By OK I mean quite big, had a birthing ball & a birthing mattress (about which a highly *informed* father-to-be commented "I'm not being funny, but what's with the big spongy thing?" Ugh.) The consultant rooms were really poky and the amount of equipment present in each room was baffling! There were several waiting rooms, very few of which had windows. It seems the fact that all rooms have televisions is a plus point and was highlighted as a benefit? I suppose it is to a certain extent, but good grief - really? There weren't any pictures on the walls and it was so sterile. I know it's a hospital and it has to be, but the children's ward is bright & colourful - do labouring women not need nice surroundings? Oh, hang on, I guess that's where the TV comes in right?

I'm sure the midwives are all lovely & do everything to make your labour/birth go as smoothly as possible and you can take your own things in to make it more your own, but I honestly felt uncomfortable walking around the ward; not a place I'd like to bring the Wiggler into the world. I'm probably only seeing the negative side of things and quite possibly being difficult because I don't like doing things that many people do in the usual way.

I know you aren't in control of your labour and it all just happens, but I don't think I'd feel like I had any control in the hospital with bleeping machinery and unfamiliar people watching me from a different room ready to rush in with more machines at the drop of a hat. I'm sure others find this reassuring, but I have faith in my body and ability to deliver my baby. Thousands of women have done it over the years in much more challenging conditions and I find it quite insulting that the medical profession seems to have lost sight of this. Maybe I'm just anti-institutionalist? I know there will be two strangers in my house (i.e.: the midwives), but they'll be in my house - it's my baby after all!

Saying all that, I may have to eat my words and go into hospital. Here's hoping not and also hoping I don't have to be induced! I really don't want that. Really, really I don't.