I need surgery whilst baby will be 6 weeks

[CaffeinatedLondoner]

Hi there,

Today I found out that I have bilateral inguinal hernias which require surgery. I've been referred for a scan of the hernias to ascertain whether there's arterial involvement, in which case the surgery will be urgent, but otherwise it'll likely be 6 weeks after I give birth to my first baby (I'm currently 29 weeks).
Has anyone had surgery whilst their baby is so small? I'm so worried about how I will be able to continue to feed her etc whilst I'm in hospital (estimated 2 days in-patient). My husband is amazing but I just worry about the logistics when she'll be so young.

Anyone else had similar experiences? I'm sure I can't be the only new mum who'll require surgery whilst their baby's tiny, but there just feels like a lot of uncertainty at the moment.

TIA <3

It's not exactly the same, but I was in and out with PN complications for the first weeks of my pfbs life. It was gruelling in many ways, (physically, emotionally) I made up for lost time and tried to remember that if I didn't get better then, then I might get more poorly down the line.

They can bring you the breast pump and the midwives can be called to help you hook it up. I was on a fair few drips so I had no arms available and I had to pump and dump because I was on very strong medicine but it kept my supply coming through.

You need to talk with the surgeon and your midwife.

Sorry to hear that. I had major surgery when my baby was 8 months. The nurses helped me to get the breast pump set up, plugged in etc and express milk through the night straight after my op when I wasn’t very mobile. They should have a fridge to store milk in too. With your baby being so young I wonder if they’d count as a neonate and it might mean you are able to recover in the maternity part of the hospital with your baby in one of those plastic cots next to you (and partner staying)? Though you might not want that. Re the pain relief, be worth asking what they recommend eg if you’re planning to breastfeed as they just gave me the same medication that they give to c section patients. Again, if you speak to your midwife they’ll be able to advise / signpost. Good luck!

I think you'll be the same as c section mums

Hi sorry this is an old post! But I can’t find much on mums that have these hernias, I hope your surgery went well for you?
I just wanted to ask how it was ?
as I have an inguinal hernia and young children one who has some sensory issues and needs lifting and is heavy!

@Jadeyyyyou might need to try an @ to see if the OP is still around