Breastfeeding after operation

[firsttimejoj]

Hi there,

In the next day or so I have to have my gallbladder removed by keyhole surgery (I was diagnosed with gallstone pancreatitis this week and they've now decided to operate as matter of urgency following a 2nd attack).

I'm BF my healthy 5wk dd and am worried that I won't be able to keep this up after I've had the operation because of the incisions in my abdomen will be roughly where my dd cuddles up for a feed.

Does anyone have any experience/advice for this? Obvs I can express but I was wondering if people had other advice?

Many thanks

[CMOTDibbler]

How are you at feeding lying down? You could put a folded towel between your tummy and your dd so she couldn't kick you. Its also very comfy as a way to feed when recovering!

[firsttimejoj]

Sorry I also wanted to add that I'm happy to give her a bottle of breast milk or formula but don't want her to become so accustomed to the bottle that she won't go back to the breast afterwards.

[firsttimejoj]

CMOTDibbler - lying down is a good suggestion, thanks

[Clobbered]

I don't think you will have much trouble continuing to BF after the op - keyhole surgery will leave you with a few small cuts on your abdomen that will only be slightly uncomfortable. I'm not sure what the advice would be about how soon after an anaesthetic you can breast feed - whether any of it gets into the milk - ask the anaesthetist! You might need to express beforehand or give a couple of bottles on the day.
Good luck. Gallstone pancreatitis is horrid!

[5madthings]

No need to pump and dump or not bfeed after a general anaesthetic, women have a general for c section and nurse straight after.

The advice given sometimes was to pump and dump for 24hrs but that is not necessary.

Would a nursing pillow help to position and support baby whilst you are feeling a bit tender and sore and yes nursing lying down.

[5madthings]

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