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

[strwbrrydvl]

"Rooming in" is now available for everybody no matter which bed you are in. Anyone the new-mother wishes to stay overnight can, they have found that the levels of postpartum depression are far lower if the momma has supportive family or friends as constant companions. They have recliners for your hubby or a friend to sleep in.
You can get a private room if one is available ($60/night I believe). If you have your baby on a busy day then you're out of luck but since it is a scheduled c-section you may be able to reserve one. I went to the regular post-partum rooms after each baby and no complaints about them.

Congratulations on baby!

[MyWorld]

I've had three kids at KGH and each experience was very different. Don't expect a private room anymore, because if someone comes in needing to be in isolation, you will be sent to another room. Some of the nurses demands about breastfeeding can send one into post partum depression. I personally found this the most difficult and felt as though something was wrong with me when I didn't get any milk whatsoever. It wasn't till my OB/GYN said "you know what some women just don't produce milk" that I began to start relaxing (though I am still very annoyed to this day at the "every mother can breastfeed statements"). And yes, Dr. LaBerge is an amazing OB/GYN..

My advice: Be realistic and don't let the nurses push you around.

[strwbrrydvl]

I've had three kids at KGH and each experience was very different. Don't expect a private room anymore, because if someone comes in needing to be in isolation, you will be sent to another room. Some of the nurses demands about breastfeeding can send one into post partum depression. I personally found this the most difficult and felt as though something was wrong with me when I didn't get any milk whatsoever. It wasn't till my OB/GYN said "you know what some women just don't produce milk" that I began to start relaxing (though I am still very annoyed to this day at the "every mother can breastfeed statements"). And yes, Dr. LaBerge is an amazing OB/GYN..

My advice: Be realistic and don't let the nurses push you around.

The nurses personal opinions do come into play with breastfeeding and pacifiers. Have your goals and desires for you and your baby clear before you go in.
With my first child the nurse I had was wonderful and provided some solid advice for breastfeeding. With my second child I had her latched on right away, a nurse came in and said "Oh I guess you're breastfeeding, I was just coming in here to see what kind of formula you wanted." "Uh NO THANKS!"
Some will force pacifiers on you and some won't. If your nursing it is best to not give one for at least 6 weeks so that you and the baby have learned to nurse properly with a good latch. Do your homework first to decide what you want for you and your baby!

[Sandi72]

[\quote]The nurses personal opinions do come into play with breastfeeding and pacifiers. Have your goals and desires for you and your baby clear before you go in.
With my first child the nurse I had was wonderful and provided some solid advice for breastfeeding. With my second child I had her latched on right away, a nurse came in and said "Oh I guess you're breastfeeding, I was just coming in here to see what kind of formula you wanted." "Uh NO THANKS!"
Some will force pacifiers on you and some won't. If your nursing it is best to not give one for at least 6 weeks so that you and the baby have learned to nurse properly with a good latch. Do your homework first to decide what you want for you and your baby![/quote]


I do not plan to breastfeed- some may think that is awful-but it is honestly just not for me,

[grammafreddy]

The nurses personal opinions do come into play with breastfeeding and pacifiers. Have your goals and desires for you and your baby clear before you go in.
With my first child the nurse I had was wonderful and provided some solid advice for breastfeeding. With my second child I had her latched on right away, a nurse came in and said "Oh I guess you're breastfeeding, I was just coming in here to see what kind of formula you wanted." "Uh NO THANKS!"
Some will force pacifiers on you and some won't. If your nursing it is best to not give one for at least 6 weeks so that you and the baby have learned to nurse properly with a good latch. Do your homework first to decide what you want for you and your baby!

I do not plan to breastfeed- some may think that is awful-but it is honestly just not for me,

Awwwwww ... sorry you feel that way. It really is baby's best start in life.

[Sandi72]

BUT- it is not for everyone

[the_zipper]

I respect your choice...but why not give it a shot before ruling it out?

[Sandi72]

I respect your choice...but why not give it a shot before ruling it out?

I have given it a shot...this is child number 4. It is not just something that I am closed minded about.

[Fancy]

Even my doctor said give it up. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone nor the end all and be all. I have healthy children despite my best efforts. Do what's right for you and KGH was awesome for me. The nurses outstanding (not overbearing, protective or suffocating). Listen to the nurses advice but do what is personally right - can't go wrong there.

[Sandi72]

Even my doctor said give it up. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone nor the end all and be all. I have healthy children despite my best efforts. Do what's right for you and KGH was awesome for me. The nurses outstanding (not overbearing, protective or suffocating). Listen to the nurses advice but do what is personally right - can't go wrong there.

Thank you so much! I was getting a little scared about the nurse horror stories on the breastfeeding topic...

[Fancy]

Even my doctor said give it up. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone nor the end all and be all. I have healthy children despite my best efforts. Do what's right for you and KGH was awesome for me. The nurses outstanding (not overbearing, protective or suffocating). Listen to the nurses advice but do what is personally right - can't go wrong there.

Thank you so much! I was getting a little scared about the nurse horror stories on the breastfeeding topic...

Nurses are people too and most are mothers themselves. Just tell any overbearing one that you passed kindergarten and ask them if a beer really helps. If they say yes, tell them they should sneak a sip on a break.

[strwbrrydvl]

I respect your choice...but why not give it a shot before ruling it out?

I have given it a shot...this is child number 4. It is not just something that I am closed minded about.

I`m sorry to hear that you have attempted it in the past and seemingly without a positive experience since you aren`t going to go about it again. Since this is your fourth baby you probably already know that every child is a new experience with the birth, postpartum and beyond. Just because things didn`t work out with nursing previous babies doesn`t mean that it can`t work this time. One girlfriend of mine tried desperately with baby 1, lactation consultants and the milk enhancing drug with no success. Baby 2 she didn`t bother trying after having been so discouraged from her first experience. Now with baby 3 she has been successfully nursing for three months without formula supplementation, enhancing drugs or even a lactation consultant.

[Sandi72]

I respect your choice...but why not give it a shot before ruling it out?

I have given it a shot...this is child number 4. It is not just something that I am closed minded about.

I`m sorry to hear that you have attempted it in the past and seemingly without a positive experience since you aren`t going to go about it again. Since this is your fourth baby you probably already know that every child is a new experience with the birth, postpartum and beyond. Just because things didn`t work out with nursing previous babies doesn`t mean that it can`t work this time. One girlfriend of mine tried desperately with baby 1, lactation consultants and the milk enhancing drug with no success. Baby 2 she didn`t bother trying after having been so discouraged from her first experience. Now with baby 3 she has been successfully nursing for three months without formula supplementation, enhancing drugs or even a lactation consultant.

Well I am happy for your friend! HOWEVER- thanks for the pointers but I did not post BREASTFEEDING HELP! I am a 38 year old lady whom has been a parent for 20 years...I am well aware of the benefits, etc of breastfeeding! I was asking about information on Kelowna and the hospital as we are new here!

[flamingfingers]

You have been around the track a few times. You know what you want. You will be just fine. KGH is very good and even if there are complications which sounds unlikely, you will get the best of care. Enjoy your new baby. Cheers.