That’s what they’ve always thought. That thinking led to the Twilight Birth period, and even to the almost assembly-line procedures of 1947. Heather of Baby Slime and Jill of Unnecesaren both shared info from pamphlets their mothers had from back then. For this look back in time, remember not to smoke until your baby is taken to the nursery, and always ask permission before chewing gum! We of the Maternity Services of _____ Hospital welcome you. We sincerely hope your time spent with us will be happy and rewarding. So that you will feel comfortable with the routines necessary to our department, we have outlined them for you. They have come about because of the need to protect you (and through you, your baby.) For example, all but your most essential contacts with “outsiders” must be eliminated so your baby receives the best possible chance during the first few days of life, since he has built up very little resistance, as yet. (Most of these regulations are based on the laws and regulations of the State Department of Health.) WHILE YOU ARE IN THE LABOR AND DELIVERY AREAS— IN THE MATERNITY AREA (AFTER YOUR BABY IS BORN)— Jill’s got the rest of the pamphlet, including the very strict and ridiculous schedule, which includes only one hour a day for viewing the newborn, broken into two 30-minute segments, for visitors. Pretty glad things have changed since 1947! We do still have a long way to go. Though the prices back then will make your jaw drop, before you consider what that would equal in this day and age:
What’s some of the weirdest outdated rules you know of? Have you asked your mom about your birth? Image via The Unnecesaren
