A quick word to the wise: lesson learned. Just had my second baby and returned to the hospital where I had my first. It had apparently lost its affiliation with a major University in the 2.5 years between kids and had fallen into complete disarray. The nurses were not helpful, they watched me writhe in pain for hours before finally agreeing to admit me, at which time, they said, “it was too late for pain medication.”

 
Nurses complained (to me!) of budgetary cuts and their cuts in pay. So for any second time moms out there – don’t take your first experience at a hospital as an accurate representation of what it will be like again. Do your research again, and make sure it is the same place it was when you had your first.