Cindy:

I had vaginal repair surgery when my son was just 8 weeks old.  I could have
postponed the surgery until a later date but I did not want to be separated
from my son.  I knew the hospital would be open to rooming in at an early age
but not much later.  I had an epidural and a couple of mg of versed.  I was
awake for most of the surgery and did well afterward.  I spoke with my
surgeon, pediatrician and ansethiologist at great length before I consented
to the surgery.  There was a question about whether this would be a day
surgery or not.  I lined up help and also an agreement with the hospital so
that I could room in.  I had 5 days warning after I consented to the surgery.
 I hand pumped 3 feeds of 4 ounces each.
 My son missed one feed because I was gone 5 hours but did take a bottle.  He
nursed as soon as we could be brought together.  I actually felt that I could
have fed him in the recovery room but the nurse was reluctant to allow him in
to feed.  I did end up staying over night.   My help looked after my son in
my hospital room and brought him to me to nurse.  I took vicodin sparingly
for pain.  I did well and so did my son.  I had concerns about my son picking
up an infection but felt it was worth the risk.  I know others would have
taken care of this situation differently but I felt comfortable with my
decisions.

In my experience as a recovery room RN the patients having cholesystectomies
via laproscopy do very well and have a minimal amount of postoperative pain.
 The are usually up and walking and ready to go before you feel that they are
ready.

I hope this helps.  Good luck to the mom and her baby.

Helen Schieve RN BSN LLLL