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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Hot hospital - did I imagine this?

11 replies

jaggythistle · 10/08/2010 07:30

I was very out of it when DS was born after a long labour and unplanned CS.

There was an awful lot of footering about to help me get bf started, I guess DS was a bit sleepy, but I am sure I got him latched on ok at some point.

I remember being helped to express colostrum to syringe feed him (I was so zonked I think I let somebody squeeze it out for me Shock) and was given nipple shields and all sorts.

I also remember that the flatness of my nipples was commented on, I guess making it hard for his little mouth to get attached. They aren't usually like that so I am wondering if it was just so difficult because it was so flipping hot!

The reason I ask, is that I was joking to my friend who is due to give birth in the same place that she should maybe get some ice cubes or a cold bottle of water...

Anyone else find it easier once they were home in a normal temperature room? :)

OP posts:
liamsdaddy · 10/08/2010 09:32

Our hospital was very hot as well, even with the windows open.

We had a lot of problems with breast feeding, due to very flat nipples and larger breasts. His little mouth just couldn't get on. Temperature just made it worse.

It didn't get any easier, in the end we stopped breast at 6 weeks because it was physically too painful to continue.

Prior to that we had been pumping to feed as he never did manage a really good latch (and that was with several Midwives and friends trying to help).

Ice cubes didn't help since you need to get you whole body cold. An ice-cold shower might work... :)

NotQuiteCockney · 10/08/2010 09:58

If your nipples are flattish, sometimes it helps to tweak or fiddle with them - I suggest that to mums in the hospital, if they are comfortable doing that.

TottWriter · 10/08/2010 10:03

When I had my DS the hospital was baking. (Yet he still managed to get cold and have to go under the heatlamp. I have no idea how - he's since become one of those children who never seem to get cold!)

When DD was born, just after that heatwave we had last month, I was in a side ward because my DP had to stay with me for the first 24 hours (I have epilepsy so can't actually be left alone with the DC). It was still warm, but much cooler - possibly because everyone was fed up with the heat.

I did actually find it much easier to bf DD than DS, though I don't know if that's because I was more forthcoming in demanding help. I can certainly remember syringing colostrum out for DS, and having huge difficulties getting him latched on. I don't think it's just you.

For your friend, I would simply advise her not to panic if the heat has an adverse affect. She can always get her community midwfe or HV to help her with any latching issues when she's out of the hospital and back somewhere with a working thermostat. Her baby won't suffer for not having a huge amount to eat in the first day or so.

TheProvincialLady · 10/08/2010 10:08

My hospital was boiling hot both times. Luckily I had a private room both times and kept the window open the whole time, which meant that it was just really warm instead of unbearable.

I don't get it TBH. We are always told that keeping babies too warm is a SIDS risk, but then the hospital is kept at a ridiculous level.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 10/08/2010 10:12

The hospital was insanely hot when I was in having DS. It was July two years ago and there was about 4 days of hot weather which co-incided with me being in hospital. It was hell, and yes BF and everything else was much easier once we were home!

Morloth · 10/08/2010 10:15

Yep, hospital was stifling, everything was better once I was home.

Emster30 · 10/08/2010 11:02

yes i had ds during the hot weather last month and the ward was baking, and i had this problem. the midwives got me to twiddle my nipples first, and also hand express a drop or two so he could get the idea. howevever i have found since being home that he can latch on fine even if my nipples are flat - after all, it's not just the nipple he needs to get a mouthful of.

Original poster
jaggythistle · 10/08/2010 11:28

Yeah, I will suggest her the nipple twiddling, makes sense Grin

I just looked back on it and thought - if only i hadn't have been melting it might have been easier!

Poor Ds had a tongue tie too so that wouldn't have helped either.

He is 10mo now so we got on ok :)

OP posts:
ProfessorLaytonIsMyLoveSlave · 10/08/2010 11:51

The delivery room was OK (although I suppose I wasn't wearing a huge amount) but the postnatal ward was sweltering. And it was the middle of winter so presumably they made it that hot deliberately.

Second time round I got discharged straight from the delivery room.

SkiHorseWonAWean · 11/08/2010 07:14

It was 36 degrees in my hospital room! Shock No flat nipple problems at home!

Original poster
jaggythistle · 11/08/2010 07:42

I love how I can ask any kind of question here Grin Thanks ladies!

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