I gave birth at Seremban. They are not the biggest advocate of breastfeeding. My experience with Karina and Damus is the same. Lost lots of bleed and was confined to bed the whole night (gave birth in the afternoon). Anyway, at that hospital, if you want to see or bf baby, you have to go to the nursing room. They don’t bring babies to the room coz’ one time one baby got sick (infected from visiting members) and spread it to all the other babies at the nursery. They only bring baby to room if mother had caesarian or in my case, nurse pity me coz’ told to stay in bed.
By the way, I had a single room, no sharing.

Karina was given glucose until I could get to her. I don’t think I was asked, initiated by nurse. Damus was given formula. Nurse asked this time and very very reluctantly I had to say yes. Was told he was crying a lot and deemed to be hungry. I was told I hadn’t recovered enough to bf. By the way, I made it very clear to the nurses that I wanted to breastfeed. But I think Lillian is right, better to inform the paed. I didn’t know how long my babies could go without any form of food (since I was deemed not fit to feed yet) and that’s why I gave in to the nurses. Anyway, I am glad to have been discharged the next day. Then I can take baby home and feed, feed, feed.

IF I have another baby, think I might consider going to another hospital.
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Mom to hurricane toddler Karina Lim and little moo-moo Damus Lim.

I wouldn’t say that rooming-in with baby right after birth would necessarily GUARANTEE successful breastfeeding because SO MANY other factors can come into play later which could result in a less-than-successful breastfeeding experience. Having said that however, IMHO it would be a step in the right direction.

I had all my babies room in with me after birth and as a result of the frequent feeding, I believe that is why none of them ever had jaundice since they passed out their meconium pretty quick, kept peeing and pooing right from the start. Admittedly, it was tiring and difficult, because of the exhaustion and pain after labour. I guess it was a small sacrifice to make for something that I take so much joy from these days.

Wishing all new moo-mies and moo-mies to be all the best!
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Zarina, militant breastfeeding mommy to 3 boys: