Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Touro Family Birthing Center.
Why Touro Was a Great Place for Me to Deliver My Daughter
Going into my first birthing experience, I was so nervous. When I found out I was pregnant, I cried … HARD. Imagine the snot running, hard-to-breathe level of crying. After getting myself together, I knew that I had to find a fantastic doctor. I kept my pregnancy a secret at first, so I wasn’t able to get many suggestions from friends as far as which doctor to see, so I did what most people do; I did a Google search. Honestly, I based my decision on the hours of when someone was available the next day, and I can say I’m so happy I found the doctor that I did and that I ended up in Touro’s care. If I didn’t have her as my gynecologist, I may not have had the amazing experience of welcoming my unexpected daughter into the world.
My then-gynecologist, Dr. Arelis Figueroa, was affiliated with Touro at the time of my delivery and was absolutely amazing! I should share now that Dr. Figueroa has relocated out of town, but I owe my experience at Touro to more than just the doctor.
Here Are Just a Few Reasons Why Touro Was a Great Place for Me to Deliver ::
Educational Classes
One thing that I really enjoyed about Touro was that they offered an abundance of birthing and parenting classes. As a new mom, I was a ball of feelings, emotions, and hormones. I took 4 out of the 12 parenting / new mom classes that were offered at Touro. One of those classes was the online birthing class. After taking the birthing class at Touro, I felt confident, a little more at ease, and also inspired about my future birthing process. The classes weren’t long, and the instructors loved answering any and every question asked, which was a huge plus.
Comfort and Kindness of the Staff
My aunt and I walked into the hospital the day I was scheduled to be induced. As I was checking in at the front desk, the nurse looked at me and said, “This is your first time, isn’t it?” I looked up at her and nodded. As she looked me in the eyes, she assured me that I was in good hands. “It’s okay, baby, you are going to be fine; we are going to take good care of you!” Looking her in the eyes and hearing her tone, I instantly felt comfortable. Walking into my room, I changed into my robe and my nurse came in. As she was hooking me up to all the monitors, we chatted and got to know each other. She was really sweet, informative, and attentive to all my needs. It was truly like we were family.
The Induction / Epidural Was Actually Painless
I had a well-thought-out birth plan. I did not want an epidural, and I wanted the process to be as natural as possible. You know what they say about best-laid plans! Unfortunately, things did not go as I had hoped, and I had to be induced.
I went in on a Friday night to be induced. I found the contractions from my induction to be very painful, and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I asked for an epidural. Luckily, the anesthesiologist (who I have heard regarded as the best in the city) was in the hospital. As she was getting everything ready to give me the meds, she was relaxed and calmed. In one quick motion, my epidural was administered. I felt nothing! This was another highlight of my delivery experience at Touro.
I Felt Supported and Celebrated
The time finally came for me to push. It was two days later, I was tired and extremely hungry but determined to deliver my baby. The nurses came in ready and excited to help me give birth. Everyone in the room at Touro was very motivating. They coached me on my breathing and helped me feel as comfortable as possible. Once my daughter arrived, everyone – my family and all of the doctors and nurses – were all thrilled when she was finally here. They even played the lullaby sound throughout the hospital, which was super cute and a lovely special touch.
Postpartum Care
My daughter was diagnosed with jaundice after delivery, and I had issues with her latching while nursing. We were assigned a lactation nurse on-site to show me ways to get her to latch. I was also able to rent a hospital-grade breast pump to take home so that I could continue with the tools they taught me. It took a while to get her healthy, but with the help of the doctors and nurses at Touro, we were able to get on track. Now, she is a thriving three-year-old!
Touro was truly a great place to deliver my baby. From security and janitors to the doctors and nurses, everyone there was kind, engaging, comforting and lovely! I would deliver there 1,000 times over if given the choice.
Thanks to Touro’s staff for making us feel welcomed and at home.
Did you know that Touro is celebrating 100 Years of Babies? Since 1922, Touro has been the hospital where babies come from in New Orleans. Babies who grow up to become the leaders, dreamers, creators, and citizens who make our city the amazing place it is. Touro is proud to celebrate 100 years of delivering babies and even more proud to be the hospital where New Orleans comes from. Learn more about the Family Birthing Center at Touro HERE or share your own Touro birth story with them HERE!
