Hi.  My name is Ann Fritz.  I am an RN, breastfeeding counselor,
      LLLLA and nursing mom to my 20 month old son, Sam.  My long term
      goal is to be an IBCLC.  I am scheduled for surgery in 1 month and
      am trying to gather factual rationale to support BF during post-op
      and pain management circumstances.  I have read that as soon as
      one is alert and awake enough to hold baby/child, the sedation has
      left the body enough to allow safe BF.  I am facing opposition
      with my surgeon on the subject (he suggests weaning for 4 days and
      pumping because why would I "risk hurting my son") and would feel
      more secure with facts about the following meds when working with
      the anesthesiologist.  The intra-op drugs will include
      corticosteroids, barbituates, benzodiazepams and narcotics.  I'm
      not sure what meds will be used for post-op pain management but
      the oral route will probably not be available.  I would appreciate
      any feedback and look forward to learning on the LACTNET and
      hopefully contributing too.

      Ann Fritz
      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania