Visitation policy for siblings at your hospital?

[AJP]

I read online yesterday that the hospital where I'll be delivering doesn't allow any visitors under age 5, even to the Birth Center. Zoe is 4 and I just can't see how it would be a good start to all of this for her to have to wait until I come home to meet her sister and to see me. With the c-section I'll be there for three days! Anyone else dealt with this issue? I'm trying to understand the logic behind this rule. If I could see a good reason for it, I'd be more inclined to follow it, but it just seems completely ridiculous to me!

I think Zoe might just have a spontaneous "birthday" and suddenly become 5 between now and April 19th! :lol:

[Morrighanne]

I think that just means children other than siblings. Our hospital was the same but siblings are excluded :) Give them a call, I'm sure Zoe will be welcome!

[SusanH]

I'd upgrade her to five. ;) Our hospital allowed siblings when I delivered Sarah. I have no idea what rules they might have about non family members. I wonder if they are trying to avoid exposing the babies to illness.

[bugsmom]

Usually it applies to kids who are not siblings. If not, I would tell them Zoe is five.

[AJP]

Thanks!

Strangely, their policy seems to include siblings:


Age
* Age 16 and older for non-immediate family
* No children under age 5
* Sibling/children of patients, age 5 or older may visit with adult supervision


I'm wondering if it's a new policy. Minneapolis has had a dozen or so cases of measles recently and I'm wondering if they're trying to limit kids to those who are more likely to be fully vaccinated. Zoe has had all of her vaccines so I don't feel bad bringing her, in spite of the rule.

I agree with you - I think that Zoe will be turning five in the next two weeks!

[canuck_mom2be]

here spouces and siblings are able to come whenever they wish. I findit odd they'd exclude siblings under 5! thts when they need to see mommy most!

[Harmony]

Lurking...Our hospital policy is even worse! I've been doing my clinicals in labor and delivery and mother/baby and people aren't happy. No one, including siblings, under 12 is allowed to visit. And you're only allowed the same 3 visitors for your entire stay in labor and delivery.

[AJP]

Lurking...Our hospital policy is even worse! I've been doing my clinicals in labor and delivery and mother/baby and people aren't happy. No one, including siblings, under 12 is allowed to visit. And you're only allowed the same 3 visitors for your entire stay in labor and delivery.

Yikes! :eek: Compared to that, ours is great! And at least I can find a way to get around ours. Zoe can pass for five, but not 12.

[AJP]

Short update: Apparently the web site was outdated and that information was from last year during the H1N1 outbreak. No spontaneous birthdays for Zoe needed! :lol:

[Melanie]

Great news!