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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

No solution......

36 replies

MoonlightMcKenzie · 23/10/2008 17:02

My 22month has a hearing test next week. Due to the centralising of services we will have to go to the fourth closest hospital. I have a bf newborn. I do not drive and DH is out of the country.

It is 3 buses away plus 2 20 min walks according to travel sites. However, the county buses make you fold your single buggy - I have a double.
The closest 2 hospitals have shuttle buses for a fee, but this one doesn't.

If I got a cab, it would cost a fortune, but, in any case I'b be stranded at the hospital entrance with 2 kids, 2 car seats, changing stuff for two and a double buggy.

So, how do you cross the river with a chicken a farmer and a fox?

OP posts:
waitingtobloom · 23/10/2008 17:11

These things are a logistical nightmare even whn you drive - am very sympathetic. Can anyone give you a lift? Can you phone the hospital (or even your hv) and explain the situation - presumably they help out older people etc.

I would suggest a sling but if the toddler is anything like mine Im guessing it would be hard work. Could you take the buggy and the sling and then transfer baby to sling when you get to bus stop then you could fold the buggy?

xxx

waitingtobloom · 23/10/2008 17:12

Or ask to reschedule when DH is home?

lulumama · 23/10/2008 17:12

can the test date be put off until DH is back?

get a lift?

mrsgboring · 23/10/2008 17:21

Ask if you can book the taxi driver to collect you and keep the carseats in his/her boot? If you go with a small or family firm this could well be possible - ring round and ask.

AnarchyAunt · 23/10/2008 17:23

Sorry if this is an ongoing thing I have missed, but do you have concerns about DS hearing? Do you have to go or is it routine?

If routine, I'd just not bother going [slack]

Original poster
MoonlightMcKenzie · 23/10/2008 17:54

I have waited 9 months for the appointment, so to scared to reschedule.

It IS a priority so DH was about to cancel his trip, but a kind friend has offered to drop her kids off at another kind friends house and take us. Me thinks some posh wine needs to be bought

BUT, what about people like me that don't have kind friends? Not everyone can drive. I don't think I'm unique.

And, is my problem that I can't drive, or that I am bfing?

If bfing, I might be able to convince the hospital to get me a porter to take and store the carseats.

OP posts:
Thisworriesme · 23/10/2008 19:49

"If I got a cab, it would cost a fortune, but, in any case I'b be stranded at the hospital entrance with 2 kids, 2 car seats, changing stuff for two and a double buggy."

B/feeding is an added complication, but not the actual problem.

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 19:49
Sad
SharpMolarBear · 23/10/2008 19:52

Why is bf making it harder? I don't understand, surely otherwise you'd also have to cart around bottles?
What a stress though - glad you have got a lift

fishie · 23/10/2008 19:53

do you mean you can't leave the baby with anyone else mm? what about ambulances, they deliver people home so they must be well(ish).

thisisyesterday · 23/10/2008 19:53

yes I agree, the breastfeeding it's the problem, it's the centralisation of the nhs services.

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 19:53

Coz baby can't be left in daycare!!!

thisisyesterday · 23/10/2008 19:54

have to say, if it were me I would take the older child in a little stroller, and the baby in a sling. no problem.
well, aside from the stupidly long journey,.

is it really hte only place they can do a hearing test??? that seems totally crazy

SharpMolarBear · 23/10/2008 19:56

I see, sorry, [dozy]
Even though it's sorted, why not call the PCT to highlight the problem? They need feedback on all this stuff

Thisworriesme · 23/10/2008 19:58

Oh, right. So you've got someone who could babysit but you can't leave the baby because it's b/f?

Will the baby take a bottle, can you express?

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 20:00

Sorry, - I'm Moonlight!

Yes, I have a sling, but can't do all day in one as am not very good at it. Have weak back and the wraps are great when they come down my arms, but it is hard to keep them there when engaging in all the physical activity related to controlling a toddler.

Spoke to the Herts disability service who agreed twas impossible.

thisisyesterday Apparently they used to do it locally but there was a reorganisation and most of the audiologist left. So, they reorganised the ones that were left into one place. I live in a county now, but used to live in a London Borough where such things were never a problem.

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 20:04

SMB Thanks! I know MY problem is sorted, although I'm in debt to these wonderful friends, - but I'm still a little annoyed that there are no provisions for people like me, - unless I am the only one in the County, in which case - well I'll shut up, - but surely it is likely to be the most vulnerable people that this affects generally, -- or, - like disabled people do THEY have access to provisions made for them?

very confused.......

RhinestoneCowghoul · 23/10/2008 20:07

It's not that unusual that a mother of a toddler might have other small children/babies to care for, combined with no transport. Harder when you live in rural area too.

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 20:14

rhinestone That's why I was wondering if it was BF that was the problem/issue, - because other people could perhaps arrange childcare for their 5 week old!???

Thisworriesme · 23/10/2008 20:18

So you can't express/your DC won't take a bottle?

DavethePlasterer · 23/10/2008 20:20

I can't express for the whole day that it will take to get there and back no, - She's a newborn and so feeds every 2 hours, sometimes more often!

Thisworriesme · 23/10/2008 20:22

Oh right, sorry, didn't realise it was a whole days escapade.

Out of interest, does not driving generally hinder you, or do you usually get on ok? Just wondered if it was worth learning.

thisisyesterday · 23/10/2008 20:22

i don't know, I wouldn't have wanted to leave me 5 week old with anyone regardless of how they were fed I don't think.

hmm. I agree though, if you absolutely could not take the newborn then I would have expressed and left him with my mum or someone

thisisyesterday · 23/10/2008 20:23

actually, do you know what, with it being all day.
I would have cancelled it and rearranged it.

my aunt waited for over a year for an op, and when it was booked she couldn't go for it. they said just to ring and that they would fit her in when she could go because she was still top of the list.

so, that's what I would do.

Thisworriesme · 23/10/2008 20:26

Actually, yes, most people wouldn't leave a newborn all day regardless of feeding type. So not a b/feeding issue, no.

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