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Mom Accidentally Finds Baby Care Instructions From 1968, Shows How Much Life Has Changed
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Mom Accidentally Finds Baby Care Instructions From 1968, Shows How Much Life Has Changed

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When it comes to taking care of newborn babies, each generation has its own guidelines on how best to do it. Every generation also has its own worries and concerns. These change over time. And they seem weird when you look back on them.

One woman, Micala Gabrielle Henson, posted a photo of a list of instructions for mothers from 1968 on Facebook. Her post went viral because people couldn’t believe some of the things written in the vintage guidelines for taking care of newborns. Micala herself stated that she was impressed by how much things have changed in just over 50 years!

Among the things that really caught our attention is the fact that people could smoke in hospitals, but they were told not to do so next to babies. Nowadays, well, do we even need to tell you that smoking anywhere in hospitals is a bad idea?

A vintage note from 1968 meant for mothers who just gave birth to newborns has some peculiar rules

Micala told Bored Panda that when she first saw the note, she was in shock. “I felt so bad for the previous generations of babies. I couldn’t help but think, ‘No wonder breastfeeding didn’t work out, they were barely given a chance to make it work.’ And some of the things were just silly, like the green coconut cake and no sitting on the sheets and how limited father was able to be in the room to see the baby.”

“Everything has changed pretty much. It seems like back then there wasn’t much of a chance to be successful in breastfeeding. They had set times for when the baby could be with mother for feeding which was very limited. What if they had trouble latching or baby wasn’t hungry then or awake then,” Micala said. “Also, they limited the amount of time baby could nurse, 5 minutes, then 7 minutes, then 10 minutes. That’s crazy. My babe was pretty much always feeding.”

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Micala believes that nowadays hospitals and staff try to help strengthen the bond between mothers and babies. “Which is great, that’s just what baby wants. I think they will continue to do research to grow the bond and strengthen it as a whole family, mother, baby, father, siblings.”

Micala Gabrielle Henson posted the photo of the instructions on Facebook and it went viral

Also, the rule regarding visitors has changed quite radically. Though I still remember that my dad wasn’t allowed to see my sister for several days when she was born (and that was just a bit over two decades ago).

What’s more, newborns were separated from their mothers in the past: moms were allowed minimal interaction with them. Nowadays, if the child is healthy, moms can spend as much time with them as they want. In the 21st century, the name of the game is “rooming in”: keeping the baby in the same room as the parents as much as possible.

Nowadays, the rule about feeding the baby only during strict windows of time has been relaxed in favor of giving the newborn milk anytime it’s hungry.

The team at Bored Panda was also very surprised to see the list of banned foods for moms to eat, including apples and onions. Not to mention the peculiar “green cocoanut cake” that seems to have an extra ‘a’ in its ‘coconut.’ Unless we’re talking about actual cocoa ‘nuts’ aka cocoa beans.

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However, one thing to keep in mind if you’re breastfeeding is that some foods may alter your milk: so avoid spicy foods, as well as consuming too much coffee. If in doubt, consult your doctor!

Old advice might be bad advice

Bored Panda also spoke with Vilnius-based doctor V.J. to hear her opinion about how much instructions for mothers have changed over the years. In her opinion, parents shouldn’t rely on old-timey tips and tricks because plenty of them can be harmful to the child’s development.

“According to the newest recommendations, the child should be breastfed exclusively with its mother’s milk, even without any water. The child should feed as much as it wants, but not less often than every 3 hours. This should continue until it is 6 months old. That’s when you should start introducing new products into the child’s diet one by one, starting with vegetables,” the doctor explained to us.

“When it comes to contact between a child and its mother, skin-to-skin contact, keeping the child close, and breastfeeding strengthens the emotional connection between them. What’s more, it helps with the production of breastmilk,” she added.

We’d love to hear how the rules for mothers who just gave birth have changed in hospitals if any of you dear Pandas are parents. So drop us a comment about that below. Or share your opinion about the note from 1968 if you don’t have kids yet but plan on having them (and your grandma told us to ask you when that’ll happen because she really wants grandkids)!

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Here’s how people reacted when they read the note

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »
Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

Read less »

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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yvette_m_desmarais avatar
Yvette Desmarais
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mothers who just gave birth to newborns? What other age children do women give birth to?

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Going by some of the comments, I'd guess some people were given birth to as adults or teenagers. 🙄

Load More Replies...
donnareedgm78 avatar
Donna Rakowiecki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was rare for mothers to breast-feed back then so babies were bottle-fed in the middle of the night by nurses so as not to disturb the mothers if you go back further in time back in to the 1800s late 1800s and early 1900s they still had to put pennies on their bellybuttons

donnareedgm78 avatar
Donna Rakowiecki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually have a book about all the care for the baby and being a good wife written in the early 1900s

Load More Replies...
karenjohnston avatar
Karen Johnston
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand this is different thinking than now, but I don't see it as being all that awful. It seems like they were looking out for the mom's well being as well as the baby's. I had twins 20 years ago. I had also had a C-section, and my sciatic nerve went out because I was so huge. I loved my babies, but I needed rest. So, I asked for them to stay in the nursery. I knew I had plenty of time to bond with them once I went home. I actually had a nurse call DCFS on me, and they sent a social worker over to talk to me. Mind you, I was 40! And my twins were born via invitro fertilization. I think I knew what I was in for. By the way, both lovely kids, 20, smart, going to school, and we have a wonderful relationship.

stephyg1980 avatar
Stephanie Blasyak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They called DCFS? ...Was it that you didn't see your babies at all during the hospital. I can't understand why someone would do that.

Load More Replies...
nashamagirl avatar
Nia Loves Art
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like things have gone too far in the other direction. Some hospitals won’t allow mothers to get a break by putting their baby in the nursery, and force mothers to breastfeed by not giving formula unless “medically necessary.”

hoytelm47 avatar
AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hospitals with the Baby Friendly Designation do have a nursery for those who want to use it (it is a common misconception that they don't). You have to specifically request it, otherwise they will assume you want your baby with you 24 hours as that's what exclusively breastfeeding moms want, and why they chose a Baby Friendly birth hospital. They don't force you to breastfeed. You can bring formula if you want. You have to bring your own pacifier. They just have to be really careful to make sure that a baby is receiving these things because mom truly wants, since the opposite is more common if you go to a traditional hospital (breastfed baby getting formula without asking mom, baby repeatedly taken away for tests or other reasons, despite the fact that all tests can be done in the room and mom has clearly requested she wants 24he rooming-in). I had my son in 2016. I've given birth in both types of hospitals and Baby Friendly is amazing because your wants are respected

Load More Replies...
coricox avatar
Cori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When oldest was born (he'll be 6 in April) I got very sick with partial HELLP syndrome. I struggled to maintain consciousness and required a blood transfusion. Needless to say, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Even so, when my nurse tried to take my son to the nursery in the middle of the night so I could rest, I sobbed and said that would make me a bad mother. God bless that wonderful woman. She patted my shoulder and said 'oh, sweetheart you're not a bad mother at all. You're just very, very tired.' She was right. I had never been more tired in my entire life.

suzi63 avatar
aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll bet it was probably because the baby's poop would be extra gross and the nurses didn't want to deal with it.

Load More Replies...
boredpanda_127 avatar
A
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is similar to stories my mom told me about having me in 1973. She said every couple of hours, a nurse would push a cart with those clear bassinet things on it down the hall with all the babies in it. She would hand them out to their mothers for feeding. After they were fed, the cart came back and the babies were collected and taken back to the nursery. Regarding what you can't eat while breastfeeding, if I ate chocolate, one of my babies would be so distressed. The other two were fine, but I realized quickly that one couldn't tolerate the milk if I ate chocolate. Another one would have the grossest diapers if I ate curry. You learn pretty quickly what to avoid when you're breasfeeding!

spikey-bunny avatar
Spikey Bunny
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter couldn't tolerate it if I ate tomatoes while nursing, she got the worst rash very quickly... I gave up spaghetti sauce for a whole year!

Load More Replies...
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh for pity's sake... My mom was an RN in that time period, and also that's when she had her kids. Breast-feeding was not the norm then, and smoking in public was, and clean linens daily was a luxury, and so forth and so on. Believe me, when I was visiting a friend and my newest godson a few years ago, I was shocked they had to remind people to wash their hands after changing a diaper! (who needs a reminder?!) And the cloth-vs-disposable diaper debate ... Yikes! And yet, we survive!

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was surprised by the response from the woman who gave birth in 1979. One of my nephews was born that year and my brother was definitely in the delivery room. I guess it depends on where you live.

thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a little strange to me how if a baby has trouble latching, they would jump straight to giving them formula, even if the mom has enough breastmilk. My mom had that issue with me when I was born and they found a pump for her (not easy at that time), so I was still fed breastmilk instead of formula. Of course, when my mom was finally home, the first chance she got to be on her own she simply skipped one feeding and the latching problem was solved.

hoytelm47 avatar
AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think they knew how to help women. Most people didn't breastfeed and didn't grow up watching moms and aunts breastfeed. Today they know that nearly every breastfeeding problem has a solution, and that it's rare to be unable to (it's the biological human norm). I am so thankful that things are different. Makes me sad to see moms who wanted to breastfeed when they had their babies years ago, but the help just wasn't there

Load More Replies...
vsswift avatar
Victoria Swift
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a baby three weeks ago. The nurses still offer to take the baby to the nursery. They did it for me on the second night. I stayed three days. Visitors were also restricted because of flu season.

ash2lar avatar
Christine M Quigley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked as a perinatal RN for many years, I remember when the nursery nurses acted as if the babies were theirs. In the early 70's, more women were starting to breast feed, but in the NYC area, it was not the norm. I had a lot of push back from my ex's family when I attempted to nurse my now 46 yr.old son. It was brutal. The medical thinking at the time was very archaic- like birth was a disease. Thank God I saw a totally different side of maternity nursing when I moved to Colorado. It was like a breath of fresh air.

pebs_1 avatar
pebs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, it's not so terrible, smoking was forbidden in the presence of the baby!

sharrockm avatar
Michelle Orwin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was quite fascinated by how things were done in the past. As someone mentioned in the comments, when a mother was essentially knocked out (not actually but she couldn't remember anything about the birth because of the drug) was called 'Twilight Sleep'

leighc_ avatar
Leigh C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just 18 years ago my daughter waa born and there was strict rules for teen parents and unwed mothers at one of 2 Christian based hospitals in my city. Dad cannot hold mother's hand during the birth. No screaming and crying loudly during labour at any time. A social worker has to be alerted regardless if the parents are otherwise stable. Baby has to be breastfed for at least 15 min shortly after the first bath. Mother cannot wash the baby. That is left up to staff in the nursery. Baby can be left in the room from 7am to 7pm but then has to be in the nursery and brought to the mother every 2 hours for feeding. Baby MUST be fed every 2 hours for 45 min regardless if baby is hungry or nit and must be woken and be forced to attach to the nipple properly. A nurse will force this if mother cannot do it or refuses. All diaper changes must be analyzed and recorded on frequency. Colour and consistency of poop must be recorded. Anything deemed abnormal will be scrutinized by a s.w.

giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so awful it makes me furious. Is there anything worse than public institutions run by churches and their crazy, conceited workers? This whole article makes me want to hit someone hardly, but your comment made me realize sometimes it was even worse than in public hospitals. I suppose a mother could risk giving birth at home or go to the hospital and risk losing a child if she didn't obey.

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sommers_lillian avatar
Lilsomms
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just gave birth a week and half ago, and not only was my husband in the room, he kept me hydrated, brought my snacks, cheered me on, and did skin to skin with our daughter. Nuts and coconut are both great for lactation and providing good fat through breast milk, the midwives performed the majority of tests on the new baby while she was either on me or my husband, and I nursed for the first time for over 30 minutes. Times really have changed folks.

danielchavez_1 avatar
Steve
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep in mind that penicillin was only 40 yo. Science based medicine itself was basically a toddler taking its first steps (I'd say we're just getting out of the tweens now). Despite all that, doctors and nurses were righteous heros and science was making miracles happen. Anti-vaxers and alt-medders, take the hint.

hoytelm47 avatar
AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What does 24hr rooming in and breastfeeding have to do with anti vax? The science on how to make breastfeeding happen successfully is clear and pretty much universally accepted. Read up on The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, and some .gov sites

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lyndaannegutierrez avatar
Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What they don't say here is that you used to be allowed to stay in the hospital for nearly a week to recuperate. When I had my kids (one mid 80s, one 15 years later) they more or less threw me out the next afternoon. (The clock started on your stay the second you came in -- long labor? too bad, you only get 24 hours total.)

jacobbeccagizmothesquirrel avatar
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I had 2 whole nights after giving birth. I bottle fed all 4 so I kinda got to choose when I had the baby in the room. Except at night they kept the baby in the nursery. Seems like my first 2 ('97&'01) I was allowed whichever 2 people I wanted to be in there when baby was born. My last 2 ('07&09) seems like people were in and out. At the time I didn't care. Epidurals all around for me.

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marneederider40 avatar
Marnie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That feeding schedule is INSANE. Were they starving those poor kids? My son nursed every 1-2 hours for the first couple of months or so (and it took maybe ~30 minutes if I remember correctly).

marlenericker avatar
Marlene Ricker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I had my first baby in 1969, I told my doctor I was worried because I didn't know anything about babies. He told me "Don't worry, you learn fast." Best advice I was ever given!

lostosbourne avatar
Picture Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw in my cousins baby book (born in the 50's) that the doctor instructed my Auntie to feed him 2 teaspoons of orange juice daily and if he has an upset tummy to give him a teaspoon of 7-Up. She was also supposed to put him outside every day in the buggy for at least 20 minutes and in the winter he was to lay in front of an open window.

craaazy61 avatar
Ronda Schmidt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first in 1984. I was the first one to use the birthing room in our hospital. Had him at 6 pm Friday home at 9 am Saturday. No meds there was nothing even offered.

leighc_ avatar
Leigh C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And baby is not to be held outside the room. You have to keep it in the cart. Baby cannot be laid down on the bed. If a young mother cannot or will not do everything as ordered there's risk of the baby being apprehended. If the parents are indigenous social workers will use cultural discrimination to find an excuse to take a baby immediately after birth.

monilip avatar
Monilip
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can can eat everything, event spicy food, while breasfeeding. O guess soke things did not changes, there are still breasfeeding myths.

captijn avatar
Pan Narrans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If spices got in the milk how would Indian women feed their kids? People, learn to think.

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johnc_1 avatar
John C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So is this where I'm supposed to mirror the responses I see here on BoredPanda from many (many) women, and get all pissed off about the sexist rules against the father being present during breastfeeding? If I were to be consistent with the boilerplate feminist response, I would ignore how much time has passed, ignore how far we've come, and just rant about this blatant male oppression.

milosz avatar
BlahBlah
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

And leftists want such rules to come back!

yvette_m_desmarais avatar
Yvette Desmarais
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mothers who just gave birth to newborns? What other age children do women give birth to?

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Going by some of the comments, I'd guess some people were given birth to as adults or teenagers. 🙄

Load More Replies...
donnareedgm78 avatar
Donna Rakowiecki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was rare for mothers to breast-feed back then so babies were bottle-fed in the middle of the night by nurses so as not to disturb the mothers if you go back further in time back in to the 1800s late 1800s and early 1900s they still had to put pennies on their bellybuttons

donnareedgm78 avatar
Donna Rakowiecki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually have a book about all the care for the baby and being a good wife written in the early 1900s

Load More Replies...
karenjohnston avatar
Karen Johnston
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand this is different thinking than now, but I don't see it as being all that awful. It seems like they were looking out for the mom's well being as well as the baby's. I had twins 20 years ago. I had also had a C-section, and my sciatic nerve went out because I was so huge. I loved my babies, but I needed rest. So, I asked for them to stay in the nursery. I knew I had plenty of time to bond with them once I went home. I actually had a nurse call DCFS on me, and they sent a social worker over to talk to me. Mind you, I was 40! And my twins were born via invitro fertilization. I think I knew what I was in for. By the way, both lovely kids, 20, smart, going to school, and we have a wonderful relationship.

stephyg1980 avatar
Stephanie Blasyak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They called DCFS? ...Was it that you didn't see your babies at all during the hospital. I can't understand why someone would do that.

Load More Replies...
nashamagirl avatar
Nia Loves Art
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like things have gone too far in the other direction. Some hospitals won’t allow mothers to get a break by putting their baby in the nursery, and force mothers to breastfeed by not giving formula unless “medically necessary.”

hoytelm47 avatar
AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hospitals with the Baby Friendly Designation do have a nursery for those who want to use it (it is a common misconception that they don't). You have to specifically request it, otherwise they will assume you want your baby with you 24 hours as that's what exclusively breastfeeding moms want, and why they chose a Baby Friendly birth hospital. They don't force you to breastfeed. You can bring formula if you want. You have to bring your own pacifier. They just have to be really careful to make sure that a baby is receiving these things because mom truly wants, since the opposite is more common if you go to a traditional hospital (breastfed baby getting formula without asking mom, baby repeatedly taken away for tests or other reasons, despite the fact that all tests can be done in the room and mom has clearly requested she wants 24he rooming-in). I had my son in 2016. I've given birth in both types of hospitals and Baby Friendly is amazing because your wants are respected

Load More Replies...
coricox avatar
Cori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When oldest was born (he'll be 6 in April) I got very sick with partial HELLP syndrome. I struggled to maintain consciousness and required a blood transfusion. Needless to say, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Even so, when my nurse tried to take my son to the nursery in the middle of the night so I could rest, I sobbed and said that would make me a bad mother. God bless that wonderful woman. She patted my shoulder and said 'oh, sweetheart you're not a bad mother at all. You're just very, very tired.' She was right. I had never been more tired in my entire life.

suzi63 avatar
aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll bet it was probably because the baby's poop would be extra gross and the nurses didn't want to deal with it.

Load More Replies...
boredpanda_127 avatar
A
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is similar to stories my mom told me about having me in 1973. She said every couple of hours, a nurse would push a cart with those clear bassinet things on it down the hall with all the babies in it. She would hand them out to their mothers for feeding. After they were fed, the cart came back and the babies were collected and taken back to the nursery. Regarding what you can't eat while breastfeeding, if I ate chocolate, one of my babies would be so distressed. The other two were fine, but I realized quickly that one couldn't tolerate the milk if I ate chocolate. Another one would have the grossest diapers if I ate curry. You learn pretty quickly what to avoid when you're breasfeeding!

spikey-bunny avatar
Spikey Bunny
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter couldn't tolerate it if I ate tomatoes while nursing, she got the worst rash very quickly... I gave up spaghetti sauce for a whole year!

Load More Replies...
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh for pity's sake... My mom was an RN in that time period, and also that's when she had her kids. Breast-feeding was not the norm then, and smoking in public was, and clean linens daily was a luxury, and so forth and so on. Believe me, when I was visiting a friend and my newest godson a few years ago, I was shocked they had to remind people to wash their hands after changing a diaper! (who needs a reminder?!) And the cloth-vs-disposable diaper debate ... Yikes! And yet, we survive!

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was surprised by the response from the woman who gave birth in 1979. One of my nephews was born that year and my brother was definitely in the delivery room. I guess it depends on where you live.

thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a little strange to me how if a baby has trouble latching, they would jump straight to giving them formula, even if the mom has enough breastmilk. My mom had that issue with me when I was born and they found a pump for her (not easy at that time), so I was still fed breastmilk instead of formula. Of course, when my mom was finally home, the first chance she got to be on her own she simply skipped one feeding and the latching problem was solved.

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AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think they knew how to help women. Most people didn't breastfeed and didn't grow up watching moms and aunts breastfeed. Today they know that nearly every breastfeeding problem has a solution, and that it's rare to be unable to (it's the biological human norm). I am so thankful that things are different. Makes me sad to see moms who wanted to breastfeed when they had their babies years ago, but the help just wasn't there

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Victoria Swift
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a baby three weeks ago. The nurses still offer to take the baby to the nursery. They did it for me on the second night. I stayed three days. Visitors were also restricted because of flu season.

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Christine M Quigley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked as a perinatal RN for many years, I remember when the nursery nurses acted as if the babies were theirs. In the early 70's, more women were starting to breast feed, but in the NYC area, it was not the norm. I had a lot of push back from my ex's family when I attempted to nurse my now 46 yr.old son. It was brutal. The medical thinking at the time was very archaic- like birth was a disease. Thank God I saw a totally different side of maternity nursing when I moved to Colorado. It was like a breath of fresh air.

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pebs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, it's not so terrible, smoking was forbidden in the presence of the baby!

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Michelle Orwin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was quite fascinated by how things were done in the past. As someone mentioned in the comments, when a mother was essentially knocked out (not actually but she couldn't remember anything about the birth because of the drug) was called 'Twilight Sleep'

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Leigh C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just 18 years ago my daughter waa born and there was strict rules for teen parents and unwed mothers at one of 2 Christian based hospitals in my city. Dad cannot hold mother's hand during the birth. No screaming and crying loudly during labour at any time. A social worker has to be alerted regardless if the parents are otherwise stable. Baby has to be breastfed for at least 15 min shortly after the first bath. Mother cannot wash the baby. That is left up to staff in the nursery. Baby can be left in the room from 7am to 7pm but then has to be in the nursery and brought to the mother every 2 hours for feeding. Baby MUST be fed every 2 hours for 45 min regardless if baby is hungry or nit and must be woken and be forced to attach to the nipple properly. A nurse will force this if mother cannot do it or refuses. All diaper changes must be analyzed and recorded on frequency. Colour and consistency of poop must be recorded. Anything deemed abnormal will be scrutinized by a s.w.

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Jus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so awful it makes me furious. Is there anything worse than public institutions run by churches and their crazy, conceited workers? This whole article makes me want to hit someone hardly, but your comment made me realize sometimes it was even worse than in public hospitals. I suppose a mother could risk giving birth at home or go to the hospital and risk losing a child if she didn't obey.

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Lilsomms
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just gave birth a week and half ago, and not only was my husband in the room, he kept me hydrated, brought my snacks, cheered me on, and did skin to skin with our daughter. Nuts and coconut are both great for lactation and providing good fat through breast milk, the midwives performed the majority of tests on the new baby while she was either on me or my husband, and I nursed for the first time for over 30 minutes. Times really have changed folks.

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Steve
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep in mind that penicillin was only 40 yo. Science based medicine itself was basically a toddler taking its first steps (I'd say we're just getting out of the tweens now). Despite all that, doctors and nurses were righteous heros and science was making miracles happen. Anti-vaxers and alt-medders, take the hint.

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AlanandLeila Hoyt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What does 24hr rooming in and breastfeeding have to do with anti vax? The science on how to make breastfeeding happen successfully is clear and pretty much universally accepted. Read up on The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, and some .gov sites

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Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What they don't say here is that you used to be allowed to stay in the hospital for nearly a week to recuperate. When I had my kids (one mid 80s, one 15 years later) they more or less threw me out the next afternoon. (The clock started on your stay the second you came in -- long labor? too bad, you only get 24 hours total.)

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I had 2 whole nights after giving birth. I bottle fed all 4 so I kinda got to choose when I had the baby in the room. Except at night they kept the baby in the nursery. Seems like my first 2 ('97&'01) I was allowed whichever 2 people I wanted to be in there when baby was born. My last 2 ('07&09) seems like people were in and out. At the time I didn't care. Epidurals all around for me.

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Marnie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That feeding schedule is INSANE. Were they starving those poor kids? My son nursed every 1-2 hours for the first couple of months or so (and it took maybe ~30 minutes if I remember correctly).

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Marlene Ricker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I had my first baby in 1969, I told my doctor I was worried because I didn't know anything about babies. He told me "Don't worry, you learn fast." Best advice I was ever given!

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Picture Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw in my cousins baby book (born in the 50's) that the doctor instructed my Auntie to feed him 2 teaspoons of orange juice daily and if he has an upset tummy to give him a teaspoon of 7-Up. She was also supposed to put him outside every day in the buggy for at least 20 minutes and in the winter he was to lay in front of an open window.

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Ronda Schmidt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first in 1984. I was the first one to use the birthing room in our hospital. Had him at 6 pm Friday home at 9 am Saturday. No meds there was nothing even offered.

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Leigh C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And baby is not to be held outside the room. You have to keep it in the cart. Baby cannot be laid down on the bed. If a young mother cannot or will not do everything as ordered there's risk of the baby being apprehended. If the parents are indigenous social workers will use cultural discrimination to find an excuse to take a baby immediately after birth.

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Monilip
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can can eat everything, event spicy food, while breasfeeding. O guess soke things did not changes, there are still breasfeeding myths.

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Pan Narrans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If spices got in the milk how would Indian women feed their kids? People, learn to think.

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John C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So is this where I'm supposed to mirror the responses I see here on BoredPanda from many (many) women, and get all pissed off about the sexist rules against the father being present during breastfeeding? If I were to be consistent with the boilerplate feminist response, I would ignore how much time has passed, ignore how far we've come, and just rant about this blatant male oppression.

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BlahBlah
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

And leftists want such rules to come back!

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