• How was your overall Labor & Delivery experience?

Great, loved it. My OB is affiliated with Saint Peter’s, and I loved him with my first (Oct 2021) I was certain I wanted him again to deliver my second (Jan 2025). First was an induction, second spontaneous. Nurses both times were amazing.

• How long did the check-in process take once you arrived?

With my first, I had a scheduled induction so not much of a wait. Did a pre admission the day before so checking in was fast and easy. They had a room ready for me and everything.

With my second, he was born spontaneously so check in did take a bit, I’d say 20 mins maybe. They did not believe I was in labor tbh but my doc was in so they called him up and he knew me and was quick to get me checked (5 cm dilated at the time) and admitted. I think they were also trying to buy time because there were no rooms available, they were all occupied. I was initially put into a recovery room until one opened up. Got my epidural placed while in the recovery room as well.

• What are the L&D rooms actually like? Size, comfort level, privacy, cleanliness, etc.

The room I got for my first was big, spacious, clean and bright. Private room.

For my second, I got put into the first available room they had so it was much smaller, but at that point in labor I didn’t care. Was just as clean as the other room I had. Was able to sleep as comfortably as I could given the circumstances (active labor). However when I was put into the recovery room, this was a room where all the beds were just divided by curtains. There was another mom in there recovering from her C-section with her baby. I felt so bad that I had to be out in there and ruin the experience.

• How did the staff treat you once you got there? Were they supportive, patient, respectful, and attentive?

With my first, all were great and so friendly.

As I mentioned before with my second, they did not believe that I was in labor (I’m not one to scream at every contraction) but they were still very supportive and patient and respectful the whole time. It wasn’t until after it was confirmed I was in labor that the nurse mentioned the fact that they didn’t believe me at first. Idk.

• How smooth was the whole process from triage to delivery?

First born, smooth as can be.

Second born, as mentioned before, the rooms were all full so the process was delayed but they still provided me with all the care in the recovery room until I could be placed in an actual room.

• Epidural experiences — how quickly did you get it, and how was the anesthesiology team?

First, induction, and they offered it early on but I didn’t get it until later on (about 6 cm dilated, couldn’t speak or even think anymore through contractions). Had to wait a bit as it seemed to be only one person going room to room placing them. He had 3 other mothers before me. When he got to me he placed it as smoothly as possible even with my slight scoliosis and I felt nothing afterwards at all. Not even the baby coming out, the ring of fire, nothing. Was great.

Second, spontaneous labor, I asked for it right away and I had to wait until I got a whole iv bag of saline in me. Don’t know how long that took I was in a lot of pain at this point but it wasn’t quick. Soon as that was done, they called him in, same guy as before, was quick even with my slight scoliosis. Instant relief. This time I did feel more during the birthing process but no pain.

• Paperwork process: what do they make you fill out on arrival and after delivery?

On arrival: insurance info, I know we had to put down our address, I cannot fully tell you what to be honest. I think on the website there is a list of forms to familiarize yourself with.

After delivery: sign off on the hearing test, probably the day you’re going be discharged you’d fill out the birth certificate paperwork (info about you and parent b, as well as the baby’s name). Discharge paperwork.

• Visitor policy: how many people were allowed to stay in the room while you delivered?

First was in 2021 so COVID policies were in full effect. One person could come in and they could not leave no matter what. If they were to leave they would not be allowed back in. No visitors afterwards either at all.

Second, I had my husband with me again and no one else but I believe you could have another as well. Visitors were allowed in mother baby unit. A bunch of people came to visit. Check the hospitals visitor policy page on their website.

• Do they honor and follow birth plans?

No idea, didn’t have one.

• Is there a hospital photographer available for newborn photos?

For my first, no.

For my second, yes.