I have a mother who I have been working with since she delivered.  She has
kidney stones and has been on different medication as well as having a
nephrostomy tube inserted. Laser removal was attempted, but was
unsuccessful. Her surgeon put her on Morphine for pain.  He said she
definately could not nurse and must pump and dump.  She wanted the surgeon
or the nurses on the hopital unit to call me to see if this was true, but
the surgeon was so sure that he didn't call me. Now she needs major surgery
for removal of the stones.  The surgeon told her she should wean, because
she will have so much pain that she will not be able to nurse or pump. And,
he stated, she has breastfed for four weeks, so what more would the baby get
from nursing. Just get a shot and she would dry up miraculously and not need
to do anything more.  She called me when she was discharged from the
hospital, upset, feeling that she was fighting a lonely battle to continue
to bresatfeed. She talked and I am going to help her pump or nurse whichever
she feels up to doing immediately following surgery and will check on
medications ordered and make certain the hospital staff is aware that the
medication she is or is not compatible with breastfeeding and will discuss
with her surgeon any medication ordered that is not compatible with
breastfeeding to see if there is an alternative medication available.
It is all right for physicians not to be familiar with breastfeeding
information, but it is important for them to realize that they do not all
the facts and to admit that they do not, then consult with a lactation
consultant or breastfeeding specialist to give the best physical care to the
mother as well as emotional care when it comes to her decision to continue
breastfeeding as long as possible. Also to be aware of the importance of
breastfeeding for both the mother and baby.

Helen
RNC, IBCLC from PA