Consultant won't operate until I stop bf

[Whirliwig72]

Sorry didn't know whether to put this in health / wwyd or breast feeding / or prolapses so I've plumped for health as a safe bet!

Basically I've suffered with urinary incontinence and a mild bladder prolapse since my ds2 was born 16 months ago. NHS have not been that helpful ( only suggesting pfe'sqjoch I already do ) so today I got a Bupa referral to try and sort things out once and for all.

To cut a long story short consultant won't operate on me until I stop bf'ing as apparently the hormone levels are making things worse (more droopy).

I had planned to bf until Ds2 was at least 2 yrs as I believe the benefits if extended bf are significant but that's 8 months to go.

I'm fed up of wearing pads all the time and getting loads of bladder infections but little ds? What would you do?

I'd approach La Leche League for advice too, even if you never go to local meetings. And try Kellymom website.

Have you asked if you could have a pessary to support your prolapse at the moment whilst you finish feeding when you are both happy about it? They are usually for old ladies who aren't fit for surgery but would still be useful to you.

Have a hug, it's not nice to feel your arm is twisted , it is hormonal changes though they are worried about so appropriate.

www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Genitourinary-Prolapse.htm

I've not had your problems but had pg hormone related joint problems and was told by consultants etc to ditch bf as my hormones were the root cause. With DS and DD1 I stopped bf at just after 6 months and there was a difference on my mobility over the following two months. I was very sad to stop bf as were the DCs but it was for the best....

When DD2 came along I had multiple bilateral pulmonary embolisms and had bigger things to worry about than my mobility. I loved the emotional connection of bf and continued until DD2 was 20 months. However my mobility had the same improvement at 7-8 months.

I feel (and it is a very emotional as well as practical thing) like I missed out on those extra bf months with DCs 1&2. I know my case isn't exactly empirical research but I would ask any consultant for their evidence base for their opinion if it is something you feel strongly about.

Best of luck with your decision, remember you don't have to justify it to anyone.