Kids not allowed to visit hospital

It was just announced today that the hospital that I'm having my baby at is going to restrict visitors to immediate family over the age of 12 only! This is because of fears of H1N1. My kids are 8 and 6. My 6-year-old daughter is going to be especially upset about this. She is so worried about me going to the hospital as it is!

Do any of you have these same restrictions at your hospitals?

Melanie

WOW!!  That's crazy!!  I'd be upset too.  You'd think they'd at least let the kids come and wear a mask or something.  :-(  So far, I haven't heard any restrictions here...I'm sorry!

Sandy

ETA: Maybe this will change by the time you deliver!!!  I'll cross my fingers!

I guess I can understand the reasoning because they are trying to protect other patients, but I'm still sad about it. I know my daughter is going to take it really hard. She's been super emotional lately as it is! I'm not going to say anything to her until I get closer to my due date - just in case they change the restrictions!

Melanie

Yep!

http://www.levinechildrenshospital.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0& id=408&action=detail&ref=152

At my hospital during the earlier H1N1 wave they "strongly suggested" no one under 12 enter.  They had signs posted around, etc. 

Kids were waiting in the main waiting room downstairs and I saw patients being wheeled down to see them....

I don't know if the concern was the kids giving something to the patients or the patients to the kids? 

Cindy

The notice in the paper today said “It is necessary for the protection of the community and our patients," so I think they are worried about school-age kids bringing germs into the hospital. That would be nice if they could at least wheel me down to a room to see them and show them the baby!

Melanie

I read or saw something stating that my hospital was considering that restriction.  My kids are older except my 1 year old....I was just thinking if they act younger then 12 can they stay out too. That would mean no visitors from my household...I would be A okay with the peace. Though I would miss my 1 year old. 

Our hospitals are restricted like that every winter, not just because of the H1N1 flu.  RSV and the seasonal flu can be very dangerous to the newborn babies and mommies.

I definitely understand the disappointment, but understand the precaution as well.  My 19-year-old daughter tested positive for H1N1 a week and a half ago, and now it has turned into pneumonia...she is one sick little girl.  She does not live with me, and it is killing me not to see her, but I simply cannot take the chance with my immune system in the toilet.   I talked to her on the phone a couple of times a day and let her rest.  We know this is not permanent, but man is it hard...even though she is 19!!!  I guess apron strings are still hanging on and have not completely been cut.

Laura 

The hospital I delivered in didn't allow children visitors.  But with that being said I had some visitors that had their LO's with them and they didn't say anything.  I would think as long as they aren't staying overnight and such it would probably be fine.