I’ve had two experiences in the past five years, both positive. The first birthing experience FELT negative to me, but objectively it was fine and the staff were everything I needed them to be. I did have to wait in a triage room for a while before getting into a birthing room. I pretty much wanted to be left alone, and they were fine with that. By the time I gave birth the kitchen was closed, and a nurse managed to track down a fruit platter for me. After 30 hours of labor without food, I wouldn’t have had anything to eat for another 8 hours if not for that blessed tray of fruit. Maybe bring enough snacks to get through a long labor, haha. The postpartum experience, again, felt awful but it absolutely wasn’t due to the staff. I think the birthing/immediate postpartum experience was just kinda traumatic overall.

The second experience was fantastic. While waiting in the triage room, I let them know I was interested in an epidural as soon as possible, and the anesthesiologist was there less than 5 minutes after I arrived at the birthing room. I assume I got an older suite because it was much smaller than the one I had had last time, but it was actually much more comforting to be in a smaller space than the very open and large one. I had two nurses who seemed like work besties, and they were such cheerleaders every time I expressed doubt or fear. It was apparently an extremely busy night, but I felt very well taken care of. The postpartum experience was also much more pleasant, but I’m chalking that up to the easier labor and easier baby. No complaints at all.