For lay people and those without kids

[princesspumpkin]

After working in a hospital for over 15 years, I'm always surprised at people's perception of what "normal" is. So, I thought I'd ask you Dis-sers. For those of you who have no medical knowledge and have never had children, what do you think is a fever for an adult? Also, how often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? I'm just curious as to what people's thoughts are who have NEVER experienced these things yet. (Remember, this is for people who have never had children or are in the medical proessions) Don't be ashamed at your guesses either

 

[Octoberbride03]

I guess i'll give it a go. I'll make it a bit easier by separating questions though.

1)What do you think is a fever for an adult? 101 degrees (99.6 if you're trying to give blood. And good luck getting the Red Cross to believe that's your normal temp or close to it. Believe me, I've tried. My temp often goes over 99.)

2)How often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? about 2-3 hours or so.

3)What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? It goes down a little.

4)If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? It depends on your insurance company these days. I know ppl who delivered and went home all within 12 hours. Personally, I'd prefer 24.

So, how'd i do?
I'm not a mom, and i don't work in the medical profession.

 

[princesspumpkin]

Not bad at all, Octoberbride. I didn't really mean discharged after the delivery though, just up and about (like walking and going to the bathroom). Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[poohandwendy]

I am a mom but I have a comment(?) about the last question. I got up to use the restroom about 15 minutes after my 3rd child was born, the nurse walked out for a minute, and I was yelled at when she came in and saw me coming out fo the restroom ("you shouldn't be OUT OF BED YET", but it was a natural, ******l birth with no meds, stitches,IV etc). So, I guess I am stumped on the last one...

 

[princesspumpkin]

poohandwendy, I'm trying not to influence anyone's answer (so I won't tell you why you're stumped (just yet)

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by poohandwendy
I am a mom but I have a comment(?) about the last question. I got up to use the restroom about 15 minutes after my 3rd child was born, the nurse walked out for a minute, and I was yelled at when she came in and saw me coming out fo the restroom ("you shouldn't be OUT OF BED YET", but it was a natural, ******l birth with no meds, stitches,IV etc). So, I guess I am stumped on the last one...

Same here.

My son's birth was quick. I was up and about 3 hours after he was born. I tried to get up before that but the nurse wouldn't let me.
We were released the next morning.

 

[JDY]

1)What do you think is a fever for an adult? 100+

2)How often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? I'm clueless; I'll guess every 4 hours.

3)What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? I'll guess it drops a little.

4)If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? Within hours, say 2.

 

[Pooh67_68]

1- 99

2- Have no clue, say every 1/2 to 1 hrs.

3- Drops some

4- I'm stubborn and HATE hospitals, so I would be trying to get up right after. As for the question though 1-2 hrs.

 

[helenabear]

I'll go for it...

1) For *me* a fever would be over 100 degrees. My normal body temp is 97.1 though. If it gets up to 99 I still consider it a fever but a slight one and not much to worry about.

2) Um I think every 2-3 hours... not a clue though.

3) I think I've heard that the weight of a baby goes down a little at first.

4) I'd guess within a couple of hours depending on how bad it was for you.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Well, I am interested in your answer to the last question.

I did not have my DD in the Hospital. She was born at a Midwives Clinic. I was home 3 hours after she was born. They wanted me to go to the bathroom and move around on my own (a little) before I went home.

 

[caitycaity]

1)what do you think is a fever for an adult?
100+

2)Also, how often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? i have absolutely NO idea. my guess would be every 3-4 hours.

3)What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? I've also heard it drops.

4) If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own?
1 day

 

[Crankyshank]

1)what do you think is a fever for an adult? Depends on the normal temp of the adult (mine is 97.7)-I would say 100+ on average

2)Also, how often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? Every 3-4hrs

3)What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? I've also heard it drops

4) If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? since they discharge patients after 1-2 days here, that would be my answer.

 

[Lisa F]

1) Also, depends on the adult. I feel like utter crap at around 99.5, but consider that a low grade fever (i have a low normal temp). I'd generally sleep that off. At around 101-102 I'd go to a doctor to talk about the possibility of antibiotics (assuming it's not virual).

2) Aren't newborns supposed to be fed pretty much on demand? I guess 2-3 hours (24 hours a day of course)

3) Baby's weight drops at first, generally more if you breastfeed than formula feed.

4) I would guess as soon as you feel up to it? All births are different, the pain threshold of various people is different. Whether it's 15 minutes or 15 hours really depends on the individual. My mom had two total hip replacements and was expected to be on her feet about 24 hours later so I guess within a day would be reasonable.

 

[goofygirl]

I won't answer because I work in a hospital, but this is an interesting experiment!

And LisaF, I love your cats photo!

 

[ead79]

Allright, I will give it a shot.

what do you think is a fever for an adult? I would say anything over 100.0 is a fever, but a serious fever would be anything over 103.5

Also, how often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? every 3 hours

What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? it loses a bit of weight

If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? 1 week (but would not be nearly completely recovered) *edited to add that I meant this in terms of going out (like grocery shopping); if we are talking about just being up and moving, I would guess within about 4 hours after the epidural has had time to wear off*

 

[zurgswife]

1)What do you think is a fever for an adult? 101 degrees

2)How often do you think that a newborn baby needs to eat (breast or bottle)? about 2-4 hours or so.

3)What do you think happens to a baby's weight for the first few days in the hospital? sometimes drops slightly

4)If you were to have a normal delivery, how soon do you think you would be expected to be up and about on your own? I'm not sure because I was home anywhere from 4hrs to 6hrs after delivery so I don't know what the norm in a hosptial is...

 

[ms_flo]

Originally posted by princesspumpkin
poohandwendy, I'm trying not to influence anyone's answer (so I won't tell you why you're stumped (just yet)

Okay, it's been 2 weeks--the suspense is killing me!!!
I can't even put in my 2 cents because I have kids! Please OP--give us some closure!