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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Can I still breastfeed after a general anaesthetic?

14 replies

Gina1981 · 13/01/2013 21:10

Dd is 14mo and in a months time I am due my 2nd knee op and after 6wks I will go on to have a 3rd op on my knee. My surgeon said that I shouldn't bf for 24hrs after my operation! I've done my research and I can't find anywhere that backs this up! Can anyone offer any advice please?

I can't see dd going 24hrs without a bf as she feeds around 5-7 times a day!! She doesn't consume a huge amount of solids and is a bit of a booboholic. Grin

I thought about expressing but I can't express very much and can't imagine getting enough to satisfy dd. I also have never had any luck in giving dd bm via any other way apart from the source itself! Confused

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2013 21:14

You'll be fine to bf as soon as you are awake enough to hold your dd - the anaesthetic is cleared from your milk as fast as it is from your blood

RikersBeard · 13/01/2013 21:14

It's not a problem. I had a GA when my DS was ebf and fed him. Checked with my GP and the anaesthetist who both agreed it was ok. The Only risk really is that you are drowsy and could fall asleep, so better to have someone sit with you / hand you baby

PseudoBadger · 13/01/2013 21:14

No one mentioned this when I had a GA a few weeks ago.

NewYearNewNagoo · 13/01/2013 21:15

I did it too :) Twas fine :)

RikersBeard · 13/01/2013 21:15

Oh I just saw she's 14mo - you're unlikely to squish her anyway if you do nod off :)

libelulle · 13/01/2013 21:15

Had GA when both my children were babies, breastfed both of them without any issues whatsoever as soon as I was out of recovery.

Original poster
Gina1981 · 13/01/2013 21:52

Phew!! That's a relief!! Smile

There was mention of IV analgesia, and also stronge painkillers after the op, am I right in thinking that this maybe the reason for not being able to bf for 24hrs? Confused

OP posts:
tiktok · 13/01/2013 21:54

Women bf their newborns immediately they come round from an anaesthetic after their babies are born by section :)

Obv, different anaesthetics may act on your body differently, but just ask your surgeon what his evidence is...what is likely to be the effect on a bouncing 14 mth old, too, and then you can make your decision.

CelticPromise · 13/01/2013 21:56

If you are concerned and want ' official' backup, the Breastfeeding Network have a drugs helpline and I bet they could give you good info on this.

SoftSheen · 13/01/2013 22:10

I had an EMCS under general anaesthetic and breastfed my newborn DD in recovery- she was fine.

Original poster
Gina1981 · 14/01/2013 11:14

My thoughts exactly tiktok. I'm sure the same medicines are given for a c section! I can't see any reason not to bf so I will!! Smile

OP posts:
Oodsigma · 14/01/2013 11:17

I've taken quite a few painkillers when pg/bf so it's not that you can't, check with the helpline before you go in, hospital will cover its back especially if they don't know about bf.

Ariel24 · 14/01/2013 15:17

I had an ELCS and a GA, I was also on a morphine drip for about 15 hours after the op and was breastfeeding DD Smile

BartletForTeamGB · 14/01/2013 15:42

If you have a tiny newborn, yes, you do need to be careful with lots of morphine/codeine etc, but this really isn't the case here. As everyone else has said, and as your anaesthetist can confirm at the time, as soon as you are awake enough to feed, you are fine to feed.

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/General_anaesthetics%20and_Breastfeeding_September_2009.pdf

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