Maternal Surgery of the breastfeeding mother

Surgery and the Breastfeeding Mother

Monica awoke during the night with painful stomach cramps during the last month of pregnancy. After the birth of her son, Joshua, she experienced several more night time attacks of epigastric pain. The diagnosis was gall stones; the treatment was surgical removal.

Karen, mother of four month old Jennifer, noticed a persistent non-painful lump in her right breast. The doctor explained she had a cyst that would have to be removed.

Both of these new mothers faced a dilemma: must they wean their breastfeeding baby quickly in order to have the necessary surgery or might it be possible to continue nursing? The answer is YES! continue breastfeeding.

Consider these things:

	Pump and freeze a supply of breastmilk in advance.
	Assure that the baby will accept a bottle or practice using a cup for feedings. Avoid bottles for infants less than 4-6 weeks old. Breastfed babies generally are able to more easily go from breast to bottle by using the Avent or the NUK nipple or other nipple with a long shank and wide base.
	Arrange to nurse the baby right before the surgery.
	Consider the type of pre-anesthesia medication used, if any.
	Breastfeed, with help, as soon as awake from the anesthesia.
	If the surgery is on the breast, the infant can nurse if the mouth does not cover the incision area. If so, dress the incision (it may ooze breastmilk and need frequent changing) and use a breast pump until sufficient healing has taken place. Continue to nurse on the other breast.
	Make rooming-in arrangements for the baby. Often hospitals require another adult be present to care for the baby.
	Arrange for a hospital grade electric breast pump in the hospital for occasions when the baby is not nursing.
	Use out-patient surgery that will not require an overnight stay, if feasible
	Use post-operative analgesia as needed. The amount of medication passed to the infant is minimal and will be insignificant to the healthy baby who is gaining well.
	If other medications are needed, assure that they are compatible with breastfeeding. Most are.
	Plan for help at home for several weeks to allow ample time for recuperation.

Please remember that this is general breastfeeding information only and does not replace the specific advice of a health care practitioner.