Having a baby at KGH - I need all the info I can get!

[Sandi72]

Hi!

We are due to have a baby in a few weeks and are pretty new to Kelowna. We have heard that the hospital has private rooms, etc, Can anyone give us some more details?

[fvkasm2x]

The hospital could...

[Sandi72]

I guess I was seeking information from Moms/Dads who have had babies there......

[JLives]

They have private and semi private rooms at KGH. Request one when you check in at the hospital. I don't know what else I could tell you. It was your typical hospital experience for me. I was well cared for, given crappy food and then sent home. Just make sure you have a proper infant seat or they won't let you leave as happened to my friend.

[Libelle]

I had a room to myself when I had my daughter, it was just luck. The nurses in gerneral were wonderful but the never ending you MUSt breastfeed now got to me. I went into labour at 1:30 am in Dec 22/08 and Sweetpea was born at 10:11pm after an emergency c-section. When I got back fromt he recovery room at about 1:30 I was done. I was so druged up and tired I still can not remember everything about that day. Anyways when the nurse brought my daughter in to see me she insisted that I fee her now. I said that I am so tired and do not feel comfortable holding her as I did not want to drop her. Well that was no excuse I must breastfeed her now. OMG I think I lost it. I said that she can have a bubba and when I sleep for a bit and let all this medication wear off I will be more than happy to feed her then. So I did get my wish, and the next day was all good with her feeding. The next day a nurse insisted that I can get out of bed and walk. It has not been 24 hours since I was cut open down to my innards and I was in no shape to walk, I was still getting shots of morphine. So my advise is that, do not let anyone push you around, let them give you their opinion but remember you are the momma and YOU know what is best. Do not buy into the if you give your newborn a bubba (bottle) that you will have more trouble breastffeding, this is not always true. And if you are too tired to the first night then everyone needs to accept that. Having one bubba will not determine if the baby will breast feed or not. Bring with you extra socks and shoes to wear around if you can walk. Also some books, something to do while your little one dreams. If you have a c-section and you feel pain in that area about a week or so after go back to your OBGYN and tell them, do not put it off. I went undiagnosed for too long which resulted in an iffection in my uterus that went into my inscision, which put me back in the hospital. Some pain is normal of course but if it continues please see your doctor that day. Because of this infection that I had I could not breastfeed any more. So do not be afraid to speak up your the momma and what you say is what goes. I hope that you have a magical experience with lots of pictures to show family and friends. Edit to add the hopsital uses pampers diapers, I would strongly recommend that you use a different brand as they have been linked to severe diaper rash, I can get you the link if you want. IMO huggies will never dissapoint you. Also bring baby wipes from home too as the hopsital uses one syou have to moisten in the bathroom and could be a challenge at times. If you have any questions that I did not answer in my long story PM me and I would be more than happy to talk to you.

[Sandi72]

Yes- it will be a scheduled C-section, however I don't get to see OB til this Friday and have no idea the exact day yet!
How long was your hospital stay after C-section? Any suggestions on what to pack, etc?

[JLives]

I had 2 scheduled C-sections. My daughter was frank breech. I was in the hospital for 4 days with her as she had jaundice and went under the lamp for a day. With my son's C-section I was in 24 hours. The first 24 hours is a writeoff, an endless parade of poking and prodding. They will wake you every few hours for feedings. I am thankful both of mine latched on quick.

I brought jammies, socks, lots of undies, my cell phone and something to read. I had an Ipod which came in great because my cellmate was snorer so I'd put my music on and play solitaire while up for feedings. Most of my time though I just lied in my bed and stared at my babies in awe.

[Libelle]

Sweetpea was born on the 22nd which was a Monday and I begged to be let out on Christmas day which was a Thursday, they were going to keep me until Saturday. Pack extra socks some onzies for your little two soft blankets for your baby as they use towles, and a hat for baby to wear home. And socks for your baby too. Their circulation in their hands and feet are not good for the first while so their hands and feet are usually cold so I always had socks on Sweetpea, (ther skin is very thin at this age too). Bring somehting for you to do too. Like a book or knitting something. You have to ask for a change of clothes for your little one each day. i insisted on this as I did not want her to wear the same thing each day. Or you can just bring your own. If babys fingernails are long and sharp you can get little mits to put on or just bit the nails off yourself. (I know that sounds babd but their nails are very soft and it is better than cutting them).

[Sandi72]

If you have a private room-does this mean Hubby can stay? What about siblings visiting?

[Libelle]

Sibbling visit depends on if there is an outbreak of some flu or not, you can ask after the baby is born. You may have to pay for a private room, call your med plan people.

[Sandi72]

We moved here from Ontario-which is much different... We only have BC Healthcare (BC Care Card)....and will pay for private room as we do not have private health coverage. Sorry all-I am a pain with questions but everything is so different here...Any idea on private room costs, etc?

[Libelle]

You are not being a pain at all, so do not even think that. I can not find any info on private rooms. did you ask your OB about a private room? Or call the hospital and inquire. Do you know what you are having? Dr. LeBerge is most wonderful, if you have her doing your c-section. OMG she is I can not even tell you how I love that doctor.

[Sandi72]

You are not being a pain at all, so do not even think that. I can not find any info on private rooms. did you ask your OB about a private room? Or call the hospital and inquire. Do you know what you are having? Dr. LeBerge is most wonderful, if you have her doing your c-section. OMG she is I can not even tell you how I love that doctor.

To date-I have seen Dr. Graham...my first visit to OB will be this friday (Dr. Leon)....HOWEVER Iam told that a different Dr. will fill in for him for my delivery-a Dr from Alberta. So-to date- I have not been able to ask

[Libelle]

Ask Dr. Leon on Friday about a private room. Or call KGH and see if they can tell u anything.

[wthwyt]

Hi!

We are due to have a baby in a few weeks and are pretty new to Kelowna. We have heard that the hospital has private rooms, etc, Can anyone give us some more details?

Sorry unable with your question, just wanted to say congratulation.