Hospital issues--my SIL

[stealthmode]

My SIL gave birth via c-section to a baby girl yesterday. For various reasons, she had to go under general anesthesia for it. Upon waking, she wanted to nurse right away, as did my new niece. They were ready to go. BUT...a head nurse stepped in and said she was not comfortable with my SIL nursing right away because of the anesthesia. Needless to say, my SIL was not "allowed" to try nursing until 4 hours later. Fortunately my niece was not given any formula in that time.

Now, my niece is having a little trouble getting started. She shows absolutely no interest whatsoever in the breast and has not acted hungry at all. The lactation consultant was shocked to hear that they weren't allowed to nurse until 4 hours later...she said that she has never heard of that happening. And the nurse who wouldn't allow it is an LC herself!

I feel very frustrated for my SIL and wish I could help her in some way. The whole thing is making me nervous about my own delivery, which will be in the same hospital.

I guess I just needed to vent to a crowd that would understand. Any tips or suggestions to pass along to her?

[twins+1]

That stinks! I thought the G.A. didn't really affect breastmilk? Babies are super sleepy as newborns, but hopefully she starts to show hunger signs.

[bender]

Maybe they were concerned she was too groggy with the GA in her system? I had treatment for preeclampsia after delivery, and they wouldn't have let me have the baby in my room had my husband not roomed in.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Undress baby, expose whole chest, let baby smell mamma as much as possible, express some colostrum and rub on baby's lips, also stimulate baby's lips with nipple, she might even have to use a wet cloth to wake baby up if baby hasn't eaten in a few hours and seems sluggish.

I had a c/s so I know how tough it is. Keep encouraging her!

[_betsy_]

Lots of skin to skin time. Try nursing all day long, offer the breast a million times if necessary.

get the name of the head nurse from your SIL, if she knows it, and tell your OB/MW, the other nurses, anyone who will listen that you do not want her anywheres near you or your baby, and tell your OB/MW, the nurses, anyone who will listen that BFing right away is very important to you.

[laohaire]

If baby didn't have formula (and I'm sure they gave her sugar water though... WHY they do this I don't know) then she's got to be hungry.

Are we looking at a sleepy/floppy baby here? I'm glad SIL has an LC looking after them.

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Dont be nervous. Do your own reseach on GA and BFing, and have your guns locked and loaded before you even get to the hospital. This way, if ANYONE gives you a hard time (if, of course you even need GA) you will have the right ammunition to protect you and your baby with.

As long as you are informed, and hold your ground, you have nothing to worry about.

FYI, LC's do NOT always have all the answers, although about half of them think they do. (Can you tell I had a bad experience with the three I had contact with?)

[hotharmony]

It's very important for your SIL to be nursing as often as possible like offering every hour at least even if its just for a few minutes and if the baby isn't nursing to express the milk with a pump to help her production. I would hate to see a little problem turn into a bigger one down the road.

[stealthmode]

Thanks ladies! They are slowly making progress...the LC that has been helping her now seems to be extremely knowledgable and her advice is right on with what I have read on here and in books. FWIW, I did get the name of the nurse that wouldn't let her bf, so at least I'm armed.

My SIL is pro-bf but not to the same degree that I am, so she didn't do a whole lot of research beforehand and was doing things like giving the baby a bunch of different pacifiers, etc. which probably didn't help the situation. Thankfully they seem to be on the right track now.

Just to add...I am really glad I get to watch her have this learning experience before it's my turn!

[PatioGardener]

The breastcrawl may help if baby didn't have the opportunity to do it the first time around www.breastcrawl.org

I hope someone informs that nurse that she is endangering breastfeeding relationships! That 1st hour after birth is really important!