I recently had to be admitted to the hospital for emergency gallbladder
surgery while breastfeeding my then 3-month old.  I continued badgering the
staff until they moved me to the "Women's Center" floor, and I never even
asked if my baby could stay with me - I just assumed that they wouldn't dare
separate us!  She and my husband were both able to spend the night, and the
nurses had no problem.  I also owe this to an extremely assertive LC, who
acted on my behalf to help me get what was best for my baby and our
breastfeeding relationship.  It really helped to have someone (on hospital
staff!) representing my best interests.  Everyone should have such an
advocate, and perhaps moms should be told before they leave to contact the
lactation dept. (or LC on call) in the event they are readmitted.

May I also add that during that whole ordeal, even with IV pain meds, nobody
ever told me I had to stop breastfeeding!  Isn't it strange that that shocked
me?

Jessica Garrett
Childbirth Educator in training!