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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

expressing at 6 weeks

10 replies

bigkidsmademe · 26/10/2010 19:29

hello lovely knowledgeable MNetters!

I am expecting DS1, due on Boxing Day. Throughout the pregnancy they have also been tracking a ginormous dermoid cyst I have (means lovely scans every 3 weeks, though)!

Anyway, it needs to come out 6 weeks post birth when I will have abdominal surgery. It is too big for keyhole so I will have to stay in overnight.

I really want to breastfeed. So I have some questions for you...

1, can I express and give him bottles at 4-6 weeks to get him used to it, or will it really confuse him?
2, will he happily go back to the breast after bottles for (potentially) two days solid?
3, can I breastfeed after anaesthetic?

thank you!

OP posts:

jemjabella · 26/10/2010 19:50

Save yourself all the hassle of expressing etc and demand they accommodate you AND baby. I was on the surgery ward for a week when my DD was 4mo - and she was right there with me by my side day and night.

Yes, you can BF after anaesthetic - as soon as you are awake :) just let the anaesthetist know you're BFing.

ClimberChick · 27/10/2010 03:49

after two days solid I would be very worried about going back on the breast

fight like hell and get baby in there with you. Express a little, to get her through the op

good luck

ClimberChick · 27/10/2010 03:49

jem, did your DD end her strike?

OnEdge · 27/10/2010 04:44

how about spoon or cup feeding it to her? (sorry i forgot what it is called) then she won't get used to the teet and happy to go back to breast ??

jandmmum · 27/10/2010 05:32

can't say there wouldn't be a problem but I almost gave up bfing at around 4 weeks and DD had mostly bottles although I expressed as many as possible, she is now 12 weeks and back on the breast except for dream feed that dh does. I've had a couple of problems recently with her fussing but it isn't every feed and hv and bfc think that might be due to her recent illness. If you're having abdominal surgery I guess it would be like having a c section in that you would need someone to be passing baby to you and putting back in the cot after feeds. You would also need a clip on cot. Although it would be great not to be separated I would also worry of the infection risk of taking such a young baby onto a surgical ward. If you don't feed though you will have to express during your stay to keep up your supply. Good luck whatever you decide.

Original poster

bigkidsmademe · 27/10/2010 08:18

thanks everyone

Yes I was worried about infection risk. I didn't know cup feeding was an option, I need to read more about it! My obs appointments are so far all about the cyst and medical aspects, perhaps next time I need to start really talking about this sort of thing with her.

I didn't realise surgery would have such a massive effect either would I need DH or my mum to come in with me and pass me the baby? Gosh

OP posts:

WillbeanChariot · 27/10/2010 08:48

Hi- just a positive experience for you. Not all babies get nipple confusion. My DS was in SCBU long term and has never had a problem switching from bottle to breast and back. He's had all kinds of teats too. If you do decide to go for the bottle you can get ones that are supposed to be more similar to BFing. DS has the closer to nature one now. Just make sure you express to keep your supply going if your baby can't be with you. Good luck.

jemjabella · 27/10/2010 10:30

ClimberChick - yes, just as she came out with chicken pox (think that was the cause after all)! Thank you again for support :)

Infection risk is minimised if you keep baby with you at all times, don't let nurses/etc handle him etc. Like I said, I had my DD with me for a week - IMO the risk to breastfeeding was greater than the risk of infection.

megonthemoon · 27/10/2010 11:19

I was nearly admitted for a night when DD was 2 weeks old for a kidney problem, and the first thing they asked when they saw her with me was 'Are you breastfeeding?' and then said 'Right, we need to make sure we get space for her as well if we have to admit you' and wrote it in huge letters on my notes so nobody could miss it. 6 weeks is not that different to 2 weeks: at such a young age they shouldn't be separating you and disturbing the fragile bf relationship. If they don't want you on the surgical ward with a baby because it may disturb others then they need to give you a private room on the ward or they should be looking at homing you in Maternity for that night.

Just make it clear from the outset that they need to accommodate both of you as you don't want to risk messing up breastfeeding for the sake of one night in hospital. Get them to write it all over your notes starting now as well - perhaps discuss it at your next scan/appointment - so they have no excuse to forget.

Original poster

bigkidsmademe · 27/10/2010 19:53

thanks everyone

I'm seeing the consultant next week so I'll make sure I get all this written down

OP posts:

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