I know I have just started this blog, but I cannot tell you how much it has touched my heart to hear from so many of you! Whether it’s just to say you’re thinking about me and my family, or to share your own struggles. It has created a sense of community, sympathy, empathy and love that I didn’t realize I would get when I thought about writing this. So thank you.
I had an opportunity to tour Children’s hospital and their department for moms and newborns at my last doctor’s appointment. The Colorado Institute for Maternal and Fetal Health is amazing. It includes a complete birthing room, lactation services and rooms for parents and their babies who need to stay for a while… all within a short distance from immediate care that your child may need.
Seriously, this bathroom is nicer than the ones in my own home!
Healthy mom can deliver her baby at children’s so their child can get the immediate care he/she needs.
So many things can happen during a pregnancy. There can be problems with mom, problems with baby or problems with both. I feel blessed to know that my problems are with me. I have no idea what it’s like for your tiny newborn to need immediate surgery. It breaks my heart to think about the families that go through this. I would much rather take any pain or issues upon myself than have my child go through that… as I’m sure is the case with ANY parent.
That being said, it makes me feel so much better knowing there is a facility out there that is prepared for these special cases. On one floor a healthy mom can give birth to her child who may need immediate care. That child will travel just a few feet for life saving treatment. Families are taken care of, given rooms that house parent and baby so you’re rarely separated from your child. And if dad needs a break, or family wants to hang out, comfortable rooms are available with refrigerators, televisions, you name it… so it feels more like home.
Family/lounge room
Complete kitchen helps make this feel less far from home.
All of this is brand new. Eventually, this summer or fall, they’ll open a new floor, separating in and outpatients, helping to divide the care.
I have friends whose children have needed care like this. But I honestly never thought about the process it takes to get these babies that critical immediate care. I have always been so conscious of everything that goes on when mom has problems. This was truly an eye opening experience for me to see the other side of high risk pregnancies.
Children’s hospital allowed me to take some pictures… but for patients’ privacy kept my camera in my purse as we walked down the hall, past rooms containing parents and their children.
I can’t imagine my child needing care like this, and I hope we don’t end up at Children’s. But if we do, I’m glad this place is nearby.
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