The hospital wasn’t going to release us with our newborn because we didn’t have a car seat carrier to strap her into for the wheelchair ride out of the hospital. I told them I would hold her in my arms in the wheelchair and when we got to the car we had a rear facing car seat already strapped in the car. They said no that she had to be in a carrier car seat. I told them I was leaving with her even if they didn’t discharge me. They acted liked I was being unreasonable but they discharged us. This was 7 years ago. I am sure it has gotten worse. If I had to do it over again I would have my babies at home.
Wow. It’s been 12 years since I had a baby, and they were requiring car seats at that time. But not a baby carrier. I held each of my babies as they wheeled me to the car. Actually, I could’ve walked out on my own two feet, but they always insisted I ride in a wheelchair.
They must be worried about lawsuits. They’re probably worried that the baby could be dropped from the new mother’s arms while they’re wheeling her out the door, and then they’ll be held responsible.
But, many parents won’t even question the requirements made of them. For example, once, as I was making my way from my hospital room to the nursery, I met another new mother out in the hall. When I said I was on my way to get my baby from the nursery, she said, “Are you allowed to do that?” I said, “I’d like to see them try to stop me.” (lol) Imagine it on the news: Security tackles new mother to the floor as she attempts to get her baby from the nursery.