- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
June 2012 Moms
BFing in the hospital
As I sit here procrastinating installing the carseat in the car, I had some really random questions about BFing in the hospital.
When do they usually let you start BFing after they are born? (Before cleanup, after cleanup, after measurements, etc.)
Would it be ok to request no help with BFing unless I ask for it? I just don't want everyone to be messing around with my boobs. I know it will stress me out and I know it would not help me wanting to BF.
How do I keep visitors away until the feeding is done!?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: BFing in the hospital
My baby was having a little trouble breathing so I had to wait for a few minutes before I was allowed to start breast feeding. My hospital recommends that you start instantly though if possible. You'd have to ask what your hospital's policies are about it because I'm sure things vary from place to place.
I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss help with feeding your LO. Although breast feeding is a very natural thing, sometimes it is very difficult to figure out at first. Everyone that helped me was very professional about it. It didn't seem weird at all, which is odd since I am a very private person. Also, visitors were never a problem. When they were in the room and I needed to feed I just told them to wait in the waiting room until I was finished. If they showed up in the middle of a feeding DH just answered the door and told them to wait for a little bit.
Our hosptial lets you hold the baby during the quick clean up right after birth and then moves to the cart for the rest (weigh, measure, etc). I can start BFing at that point, which is what we've usually done.
Our first nurse in l&d was there to help with latch and then left us alone. I never felt anyone was messing with anything. And honestly, after having your lower half exposed to the majority of the room you really won't care. The only other person who saw my chest to was the LC who made sure the latch was right and LO was swallowing.
Our after care rooms have a privacy curtain right near the doorway so I closed that during feedings. When people knocked, we would ask them to wait if I were feeding. My husband would go out and chat with them if need be.
If things get off to a great start for you then it's pretty private from the first few questions. But don't be afraid to ask for help if something just isn't right. I'd rather be embarassed for a few minutes and succeed at nursing! Good luck!
My hospital gives the baby to momma right away. I was not able to BF immediately because of complications after my delivery. It seems to me that the nurses waited for me to ask for help, they didn't just grab my boobs. I am sure most visitors will be understanding that a new mom needs some privacy for feeding. It's best to keep most visitors away from the hospital and ask them to visit when you're home, anyway. There is a lot going on while you're in the hospital.