No worries: this is not a 'Birth Story' post. If you want more info, and you're a girl, and you're my friend- send me an email and I'll fill you in.
We had a great experience! Thanks be to God! An interesting experience at times, but overall great!
We arrived at the hospital at about 3am, so of course all the regular day staff were not working. The hospital lobby was completely dark and an older woman came out to meet us. Turned out, she was the 'door woman' and we were supposed to pay her for opening the door for us. But, we had no idea and we were both slightly distracted. (Later, about 5:30am, after Fedya was born, one of the nurses told Mike that he had to go down to the lobby and pay this woman because her shift was up and she was heading home. I think she charged 20r- about $2.)
So, the door lady called a nurse or maybe a CNA to come downstairs and help us get situated. We came to the birthing area and met the midwife (who, by the way, not only spoke English, but was just really awesome all around). The midwife, the nurse, the assistant: they were all great! The lady doctor: eh. I wasn't impressed. This wasn't a problem because the midwife was pretty much in charge of everything.
Fedya* was born super fast (about 5am) and then we just got to relax for a couple hours before we were moved to the recovery room/floor.
*[Fedya is like a nickname for Fedir. Fedir is pronounced with the stress on the 1st syllable: FEH-deer (and roll your 'r' a tad at the end)].
It's standard to stay in the hospital for about 3 days (2 nights) before going home. The recovery room was great: simple, no frills. I did have to bring everything that I would need with me, though. This includes everything from sheets, toiletries, water (for drinking), cup, utensils, baby stuff and electric tea kettle for heating water.
While I was there, I felt a tad like a sideshow act in a Circus. The first day, random staff came in my room all throughout the day asking, "So, you're the American?", "Yup". I'm glad I could entertain them for a few days. But, I must say, ALL of the staff were SO nice and were constantly asking if they could help me. One doctor, in particular, spoke English very well and came to check on me all throughout the first 2 days to see if I needed anything. He was amazing and helpful and very kind. And he was excited to practice his English.
I cannot truly compare it to a hospital birth in the US, because for Solomiya we had a home birth. But... I have worked at a few hospitals in the US and that is why I decided to have the home birth ; ) ! I will say though, I would totally do it again.
And- on another note- I had an AMAZING doctor for all of my pre-natal care. He was friendly, kind, knowledgable and spoke English. If any ladies need a recommendation, let me know!
Here are some pictures of the Maternity Hospital, or Birth House, as it translates from Russian or Ukrainian:
