On January 31st 2025, I gave birth to identical twin girls at Duke University Hospital. I’m sharing my experience, things I wish I knew, and tips to help when it’s your turn! 

Prior to delivery, I researched like a mad woman to prepare as much as I could for this hospital stay. The information was scarce and I vowed to write a blog to help future patients like I wish someone had done before me.

As I mentioned, this blog will reflect my experience from January 2025. Keep in mind that some of the details I share may change before your own stay (pray it’s the postpartum rooms that change— more on that to come). 

Here it is: the good, the bad, and the ugly of delivering at Duke University Hospital. 

The care at Duke University Hospital is unmatched. 

We’ve all heard it, and many of us have experienced it: the care at Duke is truly some of the best in the world. What an absolute privilege it is to live so close to such a highly regarded medical center. 

If you take nothing else from this blog, please know that you will be in the most capable hands possible. From the expertise of the medical team, to the attentive support staff, I felt important, seen, and assured every step of my delivery and stay.

Our twins were born at 34 weeks during a planned c-section and spent a few weeks in the NICU. The Duke NICU nurses are actual angels on earth and I will remember their kindness for the rest of my life. I would choose this hospital again and again for a high risk delivery.

I will be sharing a few less-than-pleasant aspects of my time at Duke but I want to be clear that every single downside was worth it for the exceptional care. Speaking of downsides…

Parking is a nightmare. 

One of the hardest parts of our experience at Duke University Hospital was the horrendous parking and traffic situation. You should know that parking is NOT free and it is not cheap. There are traffic jams and confusing lanes leading into the hospital so it’s not a peaceful entry. There is a parking deck across the street (again, not free) or you can utilize valet.

For pregnant or postpartum patients, I recommend valet if you can stomach the $14 plus tip. There is no way I could have navigated my way to the car in the parking deck while in c-section recovery. 

Valet was convenient and worth it to us to avoid the walk to the parking deck.

The postpartum rooms—or should I say closets?

The main thing I wish I had been better prepared for at Duke was the postpartum rooms. I’ve delivered three times at different hospitals, and the rooms at Duke were by far the smallest. They are TINY and do not include a pullout or even a couch for your partner. Harrison had to sleep on a chair the first night and was so miserable, he went home the other nights to sleep. 

I recommend bringing a caddy for your personal hygiene products as there is little counter space or storage in the rooms. While you’re packing, I also suggest bringing your own pillows (trust me), long phone charger, and ear plugs.

I will say, there was a Duke vs UNC basketball game during our stay and that was pretty exciting to enjoy the rivalry from Duke. Nurses and other staff would briefly stop by to catch a piece of the game and it created a fun little camaraderie. Go Duke!

The food at Duke University Hospital: I have good news and I have bad news.

Let’s start with the bad news. The food at Duke University Hospital leaves something to be desired and that’s putting it lightly. If you want amazing food during your postpartum experience, UNC Rex is the way to go. But alas, if you find yourself at Duke, here are some tips.

The food court food is a bit better than the room service menu but it won’t be included. You may decide it’s worth it because the room service food is truly terrible.

Maybe Duke doesn’t mind feeding their patients toxic mush because they know their care team is talented enough to revive them when that bite inevitably results in a medical emergency. Okay, maybe I’m being a bit harsh but y’all know food is important to me.

After trying various menu items, Harrison and I agreed that the macaroni and cheese is actually quite delicious and we continued to order it on the side for every meal. The customizable sandwiches and flatbreads aren’t terrible either. They’re not great, but they’ll suffice.

One thing you should know is that postpartum patients receive double the portion sizes for meals placed. This means you can load up and try multiple things and even share with your partner. They may forget to tell you this, so I wanted to mention it!

There are a few restaurants on Duke University Hospital’s campus but they were all closed for renovation during my stay so I can’t speak to those.

My top tip for surviving the postpartum experience here is to take full advantage of the incredible local restaurants. Duke is located in Durham which is FULL of outstanding restaurants a short drive away, and many of them even deliver direct or through a third party.

When I finally had enough of the hospital porridge, I ordered a bunch of food from one of my all time favorite Mexican restaurants, Mezcalito. This meal healed me and I wish I had ordered it sooner. If you want a major serotonin rush during your recovery, order the Ultimate ACP and enjoy it in your bed.

Duke University Hospital is a great overall experience.

While I realize I had to issue many warnings throughout this blog, I want to reiterate that I left extremely happy with my care and experience. I would have been even happier if I had been prepared the way you are now!

If you are delivering soon at Duke, GOOD LUCK! If you have a friend who is, make sure to send them this blog. I hope it helps!