[ladyjane]

Last week my daughter gave birth in a local hospital. It was a small hospital, but it was apparent to me as I went in and out several times per day that there was no security visible.

Congratulations!I am surprised you saw little security. Just about every maternity unit I've visited in the past 10 years has big-time security, e.g., picture id, limited visitors, baby must stay in room, can't go in the hall. Not for terrorists but for baby snatchers.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Thanks. I guess I should clarify. They had security proceedures in place, as you said, to protect the babies, just no visible security person. They also gave my daughter and her husband advice on security at home re: not publicizing the birth in the paper or hanging ribbons on the door or mailbox, no one from the hospital will visit to check on the baby at home, etc.

I just remember thinking that there were so many rooms (restrooms, reception areas, waiting areas) you could enter there carrying huge purses or backpacks and no one inquired. It may be different in large city hospitals.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

I should add that I think I was a little more aware of the lack of that kind of security because last month dh and I had run the gauntlet of airport security in Atlanta and our destination airport on the return, and they refused to hand examine our film (about 25 rolls) and they were all streaked. Still steamed about that.