Friday, February 16, 2007

Birth- Four

We had one nurse in recovery that was an overbearing know-it-all. Although I found her a little annoying, I never harbored dislike for her because I knew she was trying to be helpful. That is, until the circumcision incident. It's unusual, I know, but I prefer to be present at my son's circumcision. I don't like the idea of handing him over to the procedure alone. I like to be close to him, holding the pacifier in his mouth and speaking words of comfort during the ordeal. I told my doctor about my wishes and he ran his two criteria (Does it hurt you? no. Does it hurt the baby? no. ) Sure, you can be there for the circumcision. A few hours later the overbearing nurse came to get the baby and told us she was taking him to the nursery for his circumcision. I told her I was coming too, and she said, "You can't." I said I had checked with the doctor and he knew I was coming along. She said that the circumcision takes place in the nursery and only authorized personnel are allowed in there. I remained insistent. I told her I had gone into the nursery for my first son's circumcision. She said she would ask her supervisor but she was positive we would not be allowed to go into the nursery. She acted shocked that I followed behind her as she wheeled Lucas away. When we approached the doors to the nursery she pointed to the sign and said, "See- authorized personnel only." She looked at me and said, "They have NEVER allowed parents inside the nursery." I looked at her with blank disbelief on my face. Did I not just tell her that I went in there with my first son? What is wrong with this woman? We waited outside. When Dr. Fogwell arrived he waved us right in, and no one ever questioned our presence. After it was over, that same nurse retrieved us all from inside the nursery and wheeled Lucas back to our room. She was pretty quiet. I didn't rub it in, but I was feeling vindicated.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It didn't even occur to me to ask to be present during either of my son's circumcisions. Guess I was still recovering from the epidural--ha,ha! Brandy