Breast feeding and general anaesthetic?

[jessr123]

I have to go back into hospital to get my bits stitched up properly as they 'missed' some when William was born 10 weeks ago - that's another story in itself.

They were just planning on giving me a general anaesthetic to do it but I queried them as I am breast feeding and REALLY don't want him to have a bottle even with EBM. I have my pre-op appointment soon and want to be able to argue my case for a local anaesthetic - ouch!

Have any of you had any similar experiences or do you know how a general or local may affect my milk?

 

[asacia]

There are alternate ways of feeding a baby, it doesn't have to be EBM in a bottle. Have a read here:
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html

Also, have a read through 'When Mum Has surgery' here:
https://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/mom-surgery.html

Hope this helps you decide what is best for you and LO and gives you enough information to argue your case.

 

[Panda_Ally]

First of all OUCH u poor lady!!

U could argue ur case for a local or epidural but i dont think they would let ur baby in the operating theatre or recovery with you so even if william did need feeding while ur having to op it would have to b a bottle or EBM.

At 10 weeks breastfeeding should b established evough to give him one bottle and not mess with ur supply or cause nipple confusion, but its really up to you..

How long will the procedure take?? Could u ask them to schedule it around ur feed so
feed him just before you go in then as soon as you leave recovery?

The anaesthetic its self souldnt effect ur milk but u may find urself a bit engorged if u miss a feed...
Do u have to stay in hospital overnight?

 

[jessr123]

I am hoping I should only be in for day surgery as I really hate hospitals - the pre-op assessment should establish if I need to stay in overnight or not. As for how long it will take, I have no idea.

 

[britmum]

I would push for a local anesthetic if you possible can. I had surgery on my cervix (4 hour op) when I was 6 weeks post partum. I elected to have a local. It was not pleasant but it was a sacrifice I made so that I could nurse immedicately after surgery. I was lucky and my Surgeon was very supportive. I had my husband wait in the waiting room with our son whom I nursed just before they took me to the OR and they brought him straight into the recovery room once I was done. If you are worried about giving a bottle (some babies refuse to take them at first and some babies can also refuse the breast after just one bottle) then you could also have your caregiver cup feed expressed breastmilk. Babies can drink very effectively form a cup and it doesn't interfere with breastfeeding at all. Good Luck with your surgery