Things I've learned...

This wasn't exactly what I expected for my first pregnancy/birth experience but spending seven days in the hospital has definitely been a learning experience. Here's a few things I've learned...

1. Doctors write the orders but Nurses run the show.
   I saw a doctor maybe once a day if at all. Don't get me wrong the doctors know what they are doing but in a lot of cases the nurses have been doing this for 20 or 30 years and have tons of experience and instinct about what is going on. They helped me out a lot by giving me tips on what to ask the doctor and what to expect.
2. Bring a voice recorder, Pen/Paper or always have someone there.
   The doctors always seem to show up early when you're half asleep or when you're doped up. Neither is a good scenario when you're trying to remember lots of information
3. Ask questions and repeat the answer
   Sometimes doctors and nurses forget that you don't deal with this everyday. If there's anything you're confused about...ask. They are more than willing to tell you. Repeat the answer just to make sure you both are on same the page (this kind of goes back to the groggy and doped up thing too).
   
4. It's never too early to read the chapter on Labor and Delivery.
   I thought I had more time...
5. Bring an Expanding File Keeper
   Even on short stays you get a lot of paper work.
   
6. Medical tape is just as effective as a salon wax for removing unwanted (and wanted) hair