Ways in Which The Hospital is Very Considerate

Since I was all complain-y yesterday, I thought I would take today and fill you in on all the fascinating aspects of this experience which are not entirely unpleasant.

First, the bed.

I have been in three different types of hospital beds since I was first admitted on February 10. The first was a labor and delivery bed, which are not at all comfortable. The second was a "normal" hospital bed, which was slightly more comfortable than the L&D bed, but quickly lost its appeal. The third bed is the type I'm in now - which is some kind of mysterious, magical bed. The mattress adjusts itself in response to your weight and the position you are sitting/resting in! It's a bed from the future! Apparently some people find this unnerving because it does sort of randomly inflate and deflate various spaces along the bed, but this is the first time in nearly three weeks that my tailbone and hips haven't constantly hurt from being in bed all the time. It is even more comfortable than my bed at home, especially for sitting up in.

If at some point I find out what this specific kind of bed is called, I will post it and you will memorize it so you can request one, should you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

Second, the water.

I know water is a pretty basic human need, but I have always had trouble remembering/being motivated to drink enough of it. But here I have a water "pitcher" which is really a huge plastic cup with a lid and straw. And the nurses, and patient care technicians, are constantly asking me if I need fresh water. So I always have a plentiful supply of icy cold water to guzzle. It's great! (The having to go to the bathroom every 45 minutes to an hour, not so much, but all that water is good for the baby.)

Third, the food.

You are probably laughing, but the food here is awesome. I am in a special section of the hospital which is designated as a "women's health pavillion." All the maternity stuff is here and probably some other things as well. Now the rest of the hospital has a more traditional meal situation, in which you are just brought a standard meal three times a day. But that is not how we roll in the women's health pavillion. I am not kidding at all when I tell you that I order my meals just like room service. There are generous hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I'm hungry I just dial nutrition and tell them what I want. Literally.

There is a great menu with a fair amount of choices. For breakfast you get a main entree and three sides. For lunch and dinner you get a main entree and four sides. It's fairly ridiculous. I always make one of my sides a bag of pretzels or something I can save for later or to offer to visitors because the meals are huge. I'm not sure "portion control" is something the women's pavillion food service is very good at. Here are some of the choices I have: sandwhiches - made to order, burgers, grilled chicken, grilled salmon (which I don't like, but can you believe that's a choice?), personal pizzas, pasta, wraps, quasedillas, caesar salad, belgian waffles, omletes - made to order, and the list goes on. When I am ready, I just pick up my menu and order. A revolution is hospital food.

Fourth, the shower.

Yes, I am thankfully allowed to take a shower. And, while small, I am so appreciative of the fact that the shower features both satisfying water pressure and plenty of hot water. Do not underestimate the restorative power of a decent shower. Even when an annoyingly placed IV means you have to wash your hair one-handed, it is so nice to get up and take a shower.

And that, my friends, is a detailed list of hospital silver linings.