Tips on maintaining BFing after 2 day forced gap

[ColdCottage]

I have to pump and dump for 36-48h after surgery.

Any tips on how to get my DS who will be 6 months to not stop BFing?

My first idea is to get him used to a sippy cup and for his dad, my dh to use that rather than a bottle as less nipple like

Sorry, that sent before I'd finished. I was going to add I have 3 weeks to prepare him.

Don't plan to stop BFing until at least 12 months.

Thank you.

What sort of surgery is this? Where has the advice of 36-48 hours come from? If you look at the breastfeeding network website, they do some great information sheets on drugs and breast milk, which may give you some other options.

I recommend consulting the Drugs In Breastmilk Helpline 0844 412 4665

The Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline was set up by BfN in response to the number of calls received concerning medication. The drugline is run on a voluntary basis by a pharmacist who is also a BfN Registered Breastfeeding Supporter.

Well, actually, better to look at the information sheets on the website first. If this is about a general anaesthetic, there is already an information sheet on that.

... because it may be that the advice you've received about 36-48 hours isn't accurate. See also kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/mom-surgery/

Thank you all.

I have used the breastfeeding network drug line before - they are great.

I have spoken to the anaesthetist now who has looked into it and thinks I will be fine to feed once I am awake.

I just need to express enough for DS during the night as DS is not allowed to stay with me as I'd hoped.

I am giving him a cup as he will be using that soon with his weaning starting soon (). Tried him with it last night and he held it with two hands and chugged most of it down with his daddy, before getting upset and wanting me (was bedtime feed) so with a little practice I'm hoping for 1 or 2 nights only he should be fine.

Thank you all for your advice.

Good luck for your surgery .

I had to pump & dump for 24 hours when DD was 4 days old, I was given a radioactive injection and wasn't allowed to cuddle or touch her for 24 hours... Pretty tough going with a newborn and just as my milk was coming in!

DH gave her ready made formula from bottles, and whilst she drank it fine, she went straight back on the breast with no problem when the time was up.

No advice really as your baby is a lot older, just wanted to share my experience and say we survived it somehow!

Thank you both. It helps

I think by six months they are very settled in bfing and like the snuggles with you (which he won't be getting with the bottle/cup as it is for when you aren't there). Older babies can be pretty adaptable

Sorry, what I meant was I think he's less likely to find the gap an issue than a tiny baby.

If it's reassuring, I left my eldest for 24hrs or so at about 5mo and she went back to breastfeeding absolutely no issues.
DD2 at 6wo was very ill and had no bf for 4 days, went back absolutely fine and turned into a bottle refuser!

This is only my experience, but I think a baby with lots of experience feeding is very unlikely to prefer a bottle (or cup) to the loveliness of cuddles with Mum.

Hope your operation will goes well.

Thank you all for your words and support.

... and obviously I wish you all the best for the surgery. Sorry, I should have said that first time. Must be tough having to go through that with a small baby.

Thank you penguin.

Yes it's not great but fingers crossed it will mean I'm better in time for him starting to crawl.

Any tips on expressing or cup feeding also welcome.

Are you set on cup feeding? My five month old takes the odd bottle of expressed with no issues. I think the problems of nipple confusion tend to be with much younger babies. They understand the full benefits of a bf by this age, so they're less likely to think a bottle is a good trade!

I never had much success with cup feeding to be honest but I think, I would try a sippy cup (tommee tippee flip lid style) or even a straw might work, over an open cup personally, just because if he's desperate and getting grabby having milk poured all over him won't help! I think it's nice for them to have something to suck too. Or you could offer a dummy after a cup feed if he is used to feeding to sleep? I don't use them normally but found them invaluable in can't bf situations.

If you did want to have a bottle just in case my bottle-refuser has just been weaned at 1 and eventually went for the mam silk teat (newborn flow), it has a suction valve at the bottom so she can suck bf style and not get flooded with milk.

Hope that's helpful.

I'd add, even if he's not keen on anything when you try them before hand he will manage when you aren't there - lots of cuddles and skin to skin with his dad would be reassuring for him too.

All the best with your surgery and recovery

If I was out, we found that the DC would take just enough milk from a Doidy cup and then have a 'proper' feed when I got home about that age. He is going to be fine overnight, if a little grumpy, and will likely have a decent feed when visiting you in hospital.

Glad others have linked to the BfN. I have to confess that, as a doctor, the amount I knew about BFing before having my own DC is tiny compared to what I know now! I'm always telling my colleagues about the BfN and LactMed because doctors are generally overly cautious, although I do have a couple of friends who have trained as BF counsellors or Peer Supporters since having their own.