Simplified Birth Plan question....

[miaclear]

My hospital gave me a nice sheet to fill out that covers most topics people include on their birth plans. One of the questions is:

For breasted infants, water/supplements? check Yes or No (must discuss with pediatrician)

Anyone have a clue what they're refering to?

[PinkMartini]

Well supplements would be formula, and water, I did hear something about babies having water when they were first born, but for the life of me, I can't remember why...

[Lindzee82]

I think what they mean is that sometimes the infants blood sugar level is really low after birth, so they try to give them sugar water.

Also, if you happen to have a c-section and can't nurse for a while afterwards, they can give your baby formula.

Or, if your milk doesn't come in fast enough and your baby seems hungry, they can give them supplements.

My advice is that, if you are planning on breastfeeding and are serious about it, be very very strict that they DO NOT give your child ANYTHING. Babies only need a few drops of colostrum in the first few days of life. Unless it is a life-threatening situation, I would tell them to absolutely not give your child anything. Having a bottle so soon after birth can make the baby have latch issues early on sometimes.

Good luck!!!

[ejs]

Also, if you happen to have a c-section and can't nurse for a while afterwards, they can give your baby formula.
Slight hijack: I had a c-section last month and they had me attempting breastfeeding in the recovery room. So having a c-section doesn't need to delay when you can nurse. If you have a c-section under a general anesthesia, then, of course, it will be longer before you BF.

[Rancid13]

Slight hijack: I had a c-section last month and they had me attempting breastfeeding in the recovery room. So having a c-section doesn't need to delay when you can nurse.

Same here. I was nursing DS within 3 hours after my c/s (which came after 30 hours of stalled labor). I was a bit out if it and exhausted, but we were successful.

[miaclear]

Thanks ladies...I figured they meant formula but was confused with the water part.