Military Hospitals vs Civillian Hospitals

CTRN1 · Jun 25, 2004

THanks again for the info, I will be sure to pass it on!

Euskadi1946 · Jul 12, 2004

I agree with Jennifer a lot when she wrote this:
They were strict about the baby rooming in and I practically had to beg them to take him for an hour or two so I could sleep a little that first night. They were very big on getting you to care for yourself and your baby immediately, which was hard after a primary C-section.
I have had 2 kids (one in a civilian hospital and the other on base). I have heard so many horror stories about base hospitals but mine was very uneventful and did not vary much from the civilian hospital other than the comment above.

I've never worked or have been a patient in a military hospital. I've seen both pros and cons here on this thread so it's possible that it's just like civilian hospitals. Some are good and some are bad, it just depends on what kind of luck you have.

wannabemw · Jul 18, 2004

I had a decent experience w/Military Hosp in 1984, labored in an ABR (new trend @ the time). Ended up w/forceps del (3 hrs of pushing and a OP baby)& prudendal block (took me 6 hrs to pee after that, so they took pitty on me and cath'ed me. BIG epi (3rd degree).

If I knew then what I knew now after having 3 kids...I'd pay out-of pocket for a Midwife and do a homebirth, or an Alternate Birthing Center w/a CNM. So what if Tri-Care won't pay. I think if u switch to Tri-Care standard that they pay for a BC Birth & care...but u have 2 pay out-of-pocket for this benefit-20%. But don'ttake my word on this, have your sister ask. A Midwife would be cheaper though, I would think.

Birth is one thing that u only get to do once w/each child u deliver.

Just My own thoughts!

I am a proud Military Wife also!

MJ

csnarr · Jul 21, 2004

I was wondering if anyone can give any insight in the differences between delivering and the postpartum stay at Military VS non military hospitals. I am interested more in the patients perspective, like do they have to same options for monitoring, mobility, showering and tubs, are iv optional, etc. Also, are hospitals different on miliraty bases abroad as opposed to here in the US. Any insight either personal or if you have family/friends who have delivered in one would be great. My sister just married into military and I want her to be able to make an informed decision when the time comes to choosing where to have a baby. Thanks!!!

I had my last child of three at a military hospital in Japan and boy that was a horrible experience that I would not wish on my worst enemy. First they got my due date wrong and I knew when I got pregnant. I stated going into preterm labor about 1 1/2 months before THEY thought that I was due and kept me drugged on medication until they were ready for me to have the baby. Then I layed in labor for 161/2 hours because they could not locate the doctor that was on call and kept on telling me not to push that it wasn't time finally the doctor arrived and got things underway. The nurses were harsh and very disrespectful. They would not even help me change the sheets on my bed!! If your spouse is fighting the war on terrorism and he will not be able to be with you then I would reccommend you go to a REAL hospital to deliver your miracle. The baby was fine and delivered after losing his heartbeat twice. Thanks! Just my experience!!:angryfire