u/justagirl-intheworld

All input between these 2 L&D departments is appreciated! Include the year of your experience.

Context; My husband & I are on the cusp at 38 weeks pregnant (lol I know) trying to nail down a decision. I am a TOLAC. I would like to attempt a pretty natural VBAC if possible. Previous emergency c-section birth at Saddleback. Although their newly renovated suites & tech are great & baby & I wound up safe which is the best outcome, we just definitely did not have the best experience for the 3 days of labor & 3 day stay after. I also possess the logic that anytime at a “hospital” is not expected to be a 5 star resort stay & that we are ultimately there for medical reasons.

Our OB is Leon Baginski & only has privileges at Saddleback or Mission Viejo Hospital. Mission is closer to his office & home.. Mission is a Trauma Hosptial, level lll NICU, + CHOC but their L&D is outdated af although their birthing rooms AND postpartum rooms are large. Saddleback’s basement broom closet postpartum room transfer was an awful shock. Saddleback’s staff & overall standard of care were also very hit or miss or us. My husband is an RN himself & he thinks we should maybe give Mission a shot but we still aren’t 100%.

We’d appreciate any of your input on either or both if you have. Please keep it to L&D experiences only, not ER or other departments. And please don’t bring up other hospitals as they aren’t an option for us.

I’m looking for the best baby carrier that’s breathable fairly lightweight and very easy to get on/off. I am a hair color specialist & will be working 1-2 days per week 8-10 hr days with an assistant. Planning to go back after 8 weeks postpartum.

I also found that I couldn’t wear a carrier without pain following my emergency c-section until about 6-8 months as that my squishy tummy tissue pushed down a lot of pressure onto my incision area. I might need to do a scheduled section with this baby now we are finding out.

We have an antipope zeitgeist, baby bjorn, hope & plum (huge with baby wearing with our 1st) but I’m wanting something more simple & comfortable I think for working. Safe as well. Has anyone else done this if so what worked best for you?

Are we looking for a unicorn or something??

• Well credentialed Educators (No day care set ups)

• Real grass + dirt + more nature based large outdoor play space (No artificial turf - big on this - no institutional type play spaces of soley asphalt & crumb rubber)

• Non-denominational (promotes diversity & inclusion with no religious affiliation)

• Curriculum: STEAM type - Not strictly Montessori but not just all play - our child most likely would not thrive with the rigidity of mont but does need structure & autonomy promoting lessons.

• Offers part time + drop off/pick up situation without a requirement to volunteer.

• In the Irvine area I work in cdm so potentially on the way. We are in east Irvine.

Open to suggestions. Please mind the aforementioned. We are going crazy trying to find an appropriate program that tiks our boxes. We don’t think it’s asking too much… why does Irvine seem to be lacking so badly??? Hopefully there are some great ones out there we just haven’t heard of.

Here are the ones we have looked into & liked with the reasons we did not choose them:
• Annelisse- loved but right up against canyon traffic was a hard no for us & our slippery adventurer who would/could easily make it out. Especially with the gate opening/closing so often.
• Turtle Rock- Accepted but waitlisted
• Childsworld- Soo fun but play yard vomit. We did not get a good grasp on any structure or curriculum. A little too loose/kid led. Glorified outdoor daycare.
• ECEC: too many observers in & out constantly.
• Woodbridge children’s school/IUCC- We felt personally discriminated against by the directors. Then neighbors warned us after they pulled their child as they witnessed the new director yelling at kids.
• De Colores- Artificial Turf
• SCC: Too far