LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
"Jane A. Bradshaw" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 16 Feb 1997 08:08:03 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (48 lines)
Dear Stephanie,
There should be no problem with this mom having hernia surgery.  I had hernia
surgery when my completely breastfed baby was about 7 months old.  The mom
just needs to make the proper arrangements.  Have a good talk with the doctor
about safe medications, ( be sure he knows his stuff--get the pediatrician
involved if necessary )  have him write the orders the baby can stay in moms
room (with care taker of course) and get hospital approval ahead of time.
 Arrange to nurse right up until the pre-op medications, have some milk
pumped ahead of time 'just in case', and someone there with her to care for
the baby.  I had a private room, and was able to nurse when I came out of
recovery about 1 1/2 hr to 2 hrs from beginning to end.  She can nurse
whether she has general or spinal anesthesia. Remember even babies can have
surgery, medications and  anesthesia.  The reason you wake up is because the
medication has worn off or been reversed.   I had a spinal and it worked out
just fine.  Demerol, morphine, codeine, and other pain medications can all be
taken when breastfeeding.  My baby never even acted sleepy.  She thoroughly
charmed the hospital staff.  There was always someone in my room to see my
darling baby.  My husband and the nurse/friend who helped me just had to put
a pillow over my incision so my wiggly little nurser wouldn't kick me while
she nursed!
Then all the stuff about lifting has to be taken in perspective.  The point
is not to strain the surgical area.  There is a big difference between
picking a 15 to 20 pound baby up off the floor vs. up from the port-a-crib
using good posture and correct body mechanics.  She can prepare places she
can put the baby without bending and straining.   I was able to have someone
stay with me in the daytime the first 2 days home from the hospital, but
after that was on my own and did fine.  I was just very careful and planned
so I didn't put any stress on my incision.  Advise that she arrange for
someone to come help her as much as possible.  The other solution is for her
to spend the time on the floor with the baby when noone can be with her.  She
can have her husband fix up the living room floor with everything she needs
as a daybed/nursery area then she can rest, nurse, play and care for the baby
without lifting the baby at all!!

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
mom of 3 and an old surgery nurse to boot!

 I have a mother who will have surgery on a hernia when her currently 6 week
 old baby is 6 months old.  She has been told that she will not be able to
 lift anything over 15 pounds and that will include her baby.   It is hard to
 care for a baby alone if you can not lift it, she needs ideas on how to get
 through the day while her husband is at work.  We are also wondering what if
 any medications might be contraindicated for breastfeeding and should be
 avoided both for the surgery and to handle postoperative pain.
 Thank you for your insight.
 Stephanie Ehlert, AAHCC
 Jacksonville, FL

ATOM RSS1 RSS2