Nursing at Naistenklinikka

blackdragone · Post by **blackdragone** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:55 am

Hello,
I am an expecting Italian mother (due date is 20th March) living in Helsinki. I chose Naistenklinikka as hospital to give birth and I was wondering if someone could share their experiences about nursing assistance there. This is my first child so I'm blindly ignorant about everything, but I strongly want to nurse my baby myself. As I have no relatives here and I do not have friends who are already mothers, I am afraid of finding myself on my own in the difficulties I may have. I would like to know how prepared and caring is the personnel in that hospital about nursing, just to feel more ready about what to expect.
Do you know if they let the baby sleep in the same room with you?
Also, if someone knows any (English speaking) group of nursing mothers in Helsinki, I would be happy to know, so that I can put myself in touch with other mothers when the baby is born and feel less alone.
Thank you very much

Paola

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Rip · Post by **Rip** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:51 am

blackdragone wrote: I would like to know how prepared and caring is the personnel in that hospital about nursing, just to feel more ready about what to expect.
Do you know if they let the baby sleep in the same room with you?

First of all, I think you should have chance to have advanced guided tour (in English) of the clinic (in February for you, I think) - has that been mentioned during your Neuvola visits?

I'm just father, so I don't necessarily remember all the relevant things, but it is the norm that a mother takes care of the child, also night time, condition of the baby and mother permitting. Breastfeeding is strongly recommended, but you probably need the female perspective regarding what kind of support is available if there are difficulties (they had pumps for cases when the problem is not with insufficient milk production but with bad technique of the baby).

blackdragone · Post by **blackdragone** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:36 pm

Thank you Rip! Yes, there will be an English tour in February and I have to call in few days to book it. It's nice to hear direct experiences though

I'm happy to hear Naistenklinikka recommends the breastfeeding. I heard many different tales from Italian mothers who gave birth in Italy and I know that there are many hospitals that unfortunately don't.

onkko · Post by **onkko** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:59 pm

blackdragone wrote: I'm happy to hear Naistenklinikka recommends the breastfeeding. I heard many different tales from Italian mothers who gave birth in Italy and I know that there are many hospitals that unfortunately don't.

I did fast google check and it reinforced what i thought, breastfeeding to 6mo is recommended if possible. That's what THL and HUS says and i assume finnish hospitals follow it (THL= national institute of health and welfare HUS = Hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa )

lizo · Post by **lizo** » Fri Mar 01, 2013 7:06 pm

Hi Paola,
nice to read your lines, I am exactly in the same situation, hope that I can help you with some fresh info:
I just gave birth 17 days ago to my daughter in Naistenklinikka. It was a planned c-section because she was in breech position and vaginal birth unfortunately wasn't an option.
I was planning to give birth in water in a natural way, so I was quite disappointed after the doctors decided about cesarean and I felt really lonely without any relatives and mother friends. BUT the experience was wonderful in the hospital. The c-section was perfect, really nice and kind people in the ward I got answers for all my questions. The nurses in the ward were absolutely helpful and the baby spent all time with me after birth even in the night. They supported me emotionally and showed me everything from breastfeeding to how to bath the baby. Despite I thought I was totally prepared for everything I realized just after birth that I was (and I'm still) super unexperienced as a first mother, so I really needed some help. All I can encourage you that if you have some questions feel free to ask them, they will gladly help you! The first night I was sharing the room with other mothers and from the second night (we spent 4 nights there) my husband and I were lucky to get a family room. As I know there are renovations in Naistenklinikka, so there are just a few family rooms so not that easy to get them...The most important is that (as I experienced) the doctors and nurses are there for you to help you any time if you need them but nursing your baby is your job. I was really happy for it and they helped me to feel less lost in the situation.
Have a nice birth giving and I wish you all the best!
And if you feel to hang out with other (new)mothers like me, just let me know

Mook · Post by **Mook** » Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:15 pm

blackdragone wrote: Do you know if they let the baby sleep in the same room with you?

that's normal.

But if it cries a lot, tthe nurses will look after it for a few hours so you can get some sleep.

lizo wrote:my husband and I were lucky to get a family room.

isn't it better to let hubby go home and sleep properly, rather than you both having a sleepless night?

onkko · Post by **onkko** » Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:16 pm

"The most important is that (as I experienced) the doctors and nurses are there for you to help you any time if you need them but nursing your baby is your job. I was really happy for it and they helped me to feel less lost in the situation.
Have a nice birth giving and I wish you all the best!"

Actually everyone in clinic are for children, most of times its same as wellbeing of mom tho

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