European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 12, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse No to no gowns but of boy the lunches Marjorie a. Bozek guest columnist list year i had the Opportunity to learn a bit More about German ways when 1 spent a month on the maternity Ward in a Small Catholic City Hospital in had kissing in. I discovered that doing something differently from what you re used to does t have to mean it s wrong. The Basic idea of Quality medical care was evident. It was the presentation of services that was sometimes different. Once you get in to a German Hospital you never get out was a joke among my american friends. It is True that German doctors can be More cautious than ours and that your stay May be longer than what you re used to. Ger Man doctors make sure you arc Well and rested before you leave. German doctors Are More reserved in How much information they give to their patients too. They Aren t used to a lot of questions from their patients. I was coached by German friends to ask Only a few questions on each visit from my doctor. By the end of my stay my poor doctor would sit patiently on the end of my bed and wait for my questions. Although very up to Date medical practices were used Home style ideas were applied to German s techniques. For example Stillen Tea breast milk Tea was provided for nursing mothers to naturally develop their milk Supply. Some of these old fashioned although effective ideas were used in caring for the babies. Babies were dressed in the Nursery and brought every four hours. You were to Only feed the baby not remove clothing or change him her. My american friends laughed that your baby belonged to the kind gentle nuns until you left. Only one adult no other children was allowed in the room with the baby. Ail windows were closed even in hot weather to keep out the Breeze and bugs there were no screens air conditioning. As for provisions decorating frills were kept to a minimum and cleaning standards were High. Germans medical Bills for the most part Are paid by the state so Many items that we Are used to having were not available. Gowns and slippers for instance were not provided. You had to go through labor in your own night clothes. Towels were not kept out but were available upon request. Without a to for a month i Learned what Many germans know already to does t have to be the Center of our entertainment existence. I found it Best to keep my German diction Ary Handy to ask for things that i did not see out on the Ward. I also used it to look up words on my weekly menu card. Sometimes i needed my family to bring me reinforcements fora meal. Breakfast was a typical Light Continental style. Juices and other cold beverages were not provided. Lunch was a big Home cooked meal and what most americans Are used to in Ger Man cuisine. Tasty homemade baked goods and Coffee Tea were served. My husband often conveniently visited at this time. By the end of my stay the nurses were bringing an extra cup and Fork. Dinner consisted of an assortment of meat and cheeses and often a cold Wurst or fish salad. This is when my reinforcements were used. So if you Ever have to spend time in a Ger Man Hospital keep an open mind Don t forget your dictionary and think of your stay As an other Way to learn about our european friends. After All you la get to try exotic foods speak a Little German and see some new sights. Marjone a. Bozek is a Miary family member living in bad Kissi Rigen West Germany. Thanks for writing the sunday Magazine has received such a response to it request for guest columns thata backlog has you Haven t seen your column yet be patient if it is selected to be published it will be appearing soon. Those wishing to write about anything amusing confusing frustrating or fascinating about life in Europe in the Mili tary or in general Are Welcome to sum up their thoughts in 500 words or less and Send them to be our guest sunday Magazine the stars and stripes Apo 09211. Be sure to include a Telephone number where you can be reached during the Day. Feedback if Given the Opportunity would you sign up for another tour in Europe Naimy officer 3rd lass Andreas Munsey Ici Al service Oil ice Al sup Poi t Ali in Naples yes. Luit i Unildo i i c in think about t Vausy Ellis is in i u Lull of m id i a if s lit Ilic is 11 Rhi i Myin of Muster sol. Lyle Apo 48th component repair so Raf i Lakenheath Lih Jand no. I m leaving in sober. My 2- ear unaccompanied tour Lias been Loo Long already ail too Lonclos v. Ii unit my firmly i in slates. Airman 1st class Glenn Jenkins 7274th civil engr so. Raf Chickanis. I in Jand yes. Since i be been Over Here i be done a lot of things i had t done before. I d like to go to cd �.ari, so i could eve Vii Ciu e a Dilc pm Alluie and do More , cling. Navy cmdr. Shirley be is Urrin nursing supervisor at the Naples a Al Hospital. Italy yes. I Loe trac in Anil lie Oliai i do. This is third a -.uiiii. T in of Jpe. 1 a a tour he e a voc in a. Vii in. Sgt. Douglas Artis cob 23rd to engr in Hanau West Germany. I have extended my v. If is German a do. A business i1.- re i the country \ \ a i. Pm org to his
