Week 25: What a luxury!

I was reading through one of my cheesy Italian pregnancy magazines last night, and I came upon an article detailing what the "future" holds in terms of giving birth. They spoke of one day being able to have one's own private delivery room (Imagine that - being able to be in labor in a room without strangers seeing you in all of your agony?) in a "welcoming and homey" setting. They used as an example one hospital in Italy where they have supposedly done just that. I've scanned in the photos to illustrate what "luxury" means in an Italian hospital - there's a "pink delivery room," a "blue delivery room" and "yellow delivery room." One even has an adjustable bed so you can actually change positions. Wow! There is no decoration on the walls, however, save for a picture of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, my hospital is not so ahead of the curve and I will not have luxuries, such as colorfully painted walls and privacy. Though I am told that my hospital is one of the only 7 percent in Italy that guarantee epidurals 24 hours a day seven days a week. At least that's something!

Here are some photos of luxury childbirth Italian-style (keep in mind they are scans from a magazine so the quality is not the best) - they 'aint suites but they've got colorful walls...