Cindy,
My sister in law delivered a baby 6 weeks premature and was able, thanks to the
lovely help of the nurses in U. of Michigan Hospital, to pump then breastfeed
her son.  She and her husband were active participants in the baby's care (I was
on the phone long distance quite often).  So - when he was 3 lbs 12 oz  he was
discharged to mom and dad's care.
That same day she came down with a terrible case of gallstones and was
hospitalized.  The frantic call from dad included questions like what to feed
the baby since mom was on IV's.  After learning that the IV was just "sugar
water" and no meds were being given, I suggested he try to get a cot and stay in
her room - "Family Bed" style.  They did this so the baby was able to nurse from
Saturday (discharge and hospitalization day) until mom was discharged on
Wednesday after having her gall bladder removed (isn't the new surgery great!).
He never missed a feed - just nursed before the surgery and was able to feed
when mom was alert and back in the room.

So - check out what mom will be facing in terms of meds and anesthesia.  Chances
are good that it will be not much more than a cesarean delivery mom - and
breastfeeding can resume relatively soon.

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, LLLL, RN, IBCLC
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