surgery while BF/EP?

*wicket* · May 2010

I've been exclusively pumping for almost 6 months now. We've given DS formula 2x in the past month and both times resulted in horrible vomiting/diarrhea and a very lethargic baby. I don't know if it's just formula in general that doesn't agree with him or just that type (Enfamil).

I'm having foot surgery in June/July. I had planned on stopping pumping by then, but am apprehensive to now because of DS's reaction to formula.

Has anyone had surgery while BF/EP? How long did you have to pump-and-dump before LO could have your BM again? Was it horrible to deal with the recovery and pumping? I'll obviously be asking my doctor about the anesthesia and pain medications to see how they affect BM, but thought I'd ask for your experiences as well. Thanks!!

shopgirl78 · May 2010

Yes, I had a tubal when DS2 was 2 months old. I BF and pump only when I have to. My doctor said I was fine to BF as soon as I got home and that it was "old school" to wait 24 hrs and/or pump and dump. I was engorged when I left. I was at the hospital for a total of 9 hours. I pumped and fed DS immediately after getting home.

ETA: After having surgery on my abdomen, I found it much better to football hold (in case anyone was wondering)

swimrbride · May 2010

I had surgery when DS was 6 days old. I was on antibiotics (I had appendicitis) for about 12 hours prior to the surgery that are not safe while bf'ing so I started pumping and dumping then and did it until 24 hours after surgery. Not so much because of the anesthesia (that was only a 12 hour wait) but the pain meds they gave me afterwards were not recommended for bf'ing. Fortunately I only needed to take one dose of them. So total it was about 36 hours. It wasn't a big deal at all, although he did get some bottles of formula because I didn't have a stash built up at 5-6 days.

orthomom · May 2010

As an orthopedic surgeon I can tell you that your foot doctor (whether ortho or podiatry) is unlikely to be able to tell you anything about whether the anesthesia or other meds are safe in breastfeeding. The anesthesiologist may be better able to answer that question but you probably should call your OB. The OBs and Pedis are the ones who have the book that tells them what is safe and what isn't.

Most antibiotics are safe (and you will get antibiotics via IV before they make an incision). The anesthetics leave your system quickly unless you have a lot of fat stores. The pain medicines are usually safe but it depends on the dosage and what pain meds they are giving you. Talk to your OB or pedi first. Also the formula may just be the wrong formula for your baby. Not that it is enfamil per se but the lactose in it. Try a lactose free formula or hypoallergenic type

*wicket* · May 2010

orthomom:
As an orthopedic surgeon I can tell you that your foot doctor (whether ortho or podiatry) is unlikely to be able to tell you anything about whether the anesthesia or other meds are safe in breastfeeding. The anesthesiologist may be better able to answer that question but you probably should call your OB. The OBs and Pedis are the ones who have the book that tells them what is safe and what isn't.
Most antibiotics are safe (and you will get antibiotics via IV before they make an incision). The anesthetics leave your system quickly unless you have a lot of fat stores. The pain medicines are usually safe but it depends on the dosage and what pain meds they are giving you. Talk to your OB or pedi first. Also the formula may just be the wrong formula for your baby. Not that it is enfamil per se but the lactose in it. Try a lactose free formula or hypoallergenic type

Thanks for the info!! I'll definitely be speaking with my PCP/DS's doctor (the same person) before the surgery to see what my options are.

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