Knowing what to expect can help relieve the nerve of expectant moms and dads.
Tiffany and Graham Porter and Heather and Kevin Stutts were among the couples who toured Lake Norman Regional Medical Center last weekend during the hospital's annual Baby Fair, and all said the experience helped them feel a little more prepared.
"We want to get all the information we can, since we're due in January," Tiffany said. "Knowing more about what's going to happen is helpful."
Heather, who heard about the tour from her OB-GYN, said the experience was educational.
"This is our first child and we don't know everything, so that's what we're here for," she said.
"We got to see where the delivery would happen, where she would stay and all about the rooms," added her husband, Kevin.
Prenatal Education Coordinator Deborah Teeter, RN, was stationed by the front door, greeting visitors as they entered.
"I think taking the tour relieves some of the anxiety of the labor and delivery experience," she said. "Once you see where you're going to go and meet the staff, it's much more relaxing."
Parents weren't the only ones getting a little reassurance though.
Grandmother-to-be Jo Braden attended the baby fair with her daughter, Ashely King, who is due in December.
"As a grandma, seeing the delivery rooms was amazing," Braden said. "They've come a long way since I delivered Ashley."
For parents who missed the Baby Fest, Teeter and her co-workers teach weekly childbirth education classes, as well as infant care, breastfeeding and CPR classes on a monthly basis. Free tours are available every Saturday morning or Monday evening.
More information on times and costs can be obtained by e-mailing Teeter at Deborah.teeter@hma.com or by calling prenatal education at (704) 660-4374.
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