Hi All,
Wanted to let you know that PJ's oral surgery went really well this morning.
I was kind of a wreck, but what can you expect?
Also, thanks to everyone who sent info for the anesth.  It turned out that I
didn't need it!  The anesth who worked on PJ was very well informed about BF
and anesth.  He asked me what I was comfortable with (after I asked him what
his position was on BF and NOPO before surgery) and I told him that my
research and education told me that as close as 2 hours pre-op was perfectly
safe, but that i knew that commomnly 3 hrs was used.  He said that he was
more comfy with 3 hrs, but that since breastmilk has a rapid gastric
emptying time that he would be fine with a full feed 3 hrs pre-op and if PJ
got anxious/upset and needed to nurse a bit, then I could do that as close
as 2 hrs pre-op.  He then said that if it was really neccessary, and the 2
hr limit had passed that I could give him a very short nursing 1.5 hrs
pre-op!!!!  THe surgery center that we went to kept telling me the standard
6hr NPO garbage, to which he responed that they meaant well, but were
obviously not up-to-date with their info, something I 9meaning me) mean to
try and correct.  Needless to say, this Dr will be getting referrals from
the lactation community around here because I will be spreading his name
like wildfire!  :)

As for PJ's surgery, it went great.  I held him while they put him out and
was right there when he woke up.  A cute story:

The Dr/anesth (who is wonderful with children!) was trying to keep the mask
on PJs face so he could breathe in the vapors.  PJ wasn't having any of it.
He started to get upset and cry.  Dr asked what was PJs favorite song.  I
said "Sesame Street?"  The next thing I know this guy starts singing the
theme song to Sesame Street!  PJ instantly stopped crying and smiled at the
Dr.  THen I and the two nurses joined in and PJ thought that was so cool!
He looked around at us as if to say "Wow!  You're singing just for me?"
Then he started to try and sing with us, and then he was out.  I shed a few
tears, kissed him Bye bye, and went out to wait.  He wasn't too happy coming
out of the anesth, but I expected that.  No problem from anyone BF him right
away, and he L-O immediately.  One of the nurses commented that she was
pleased to see that I was "still" BF.  Was glad to see that it was helping
him try to gain control and calm down.  I told her that I didn't know any
other way to help him, and wondered how bottle feeding moms calm their
babies down.  Rocking, hugging, cuddling and walking don't work with PJ, but
the BF does.  She said that they just do the best they can while the baby
screams.  Sad, so sad.
So, here in Sacramento, we have a really well-informed MD/anesthesiologist,
and boy am I glad!  PJ is doing great this afternoon, playing as if nothing
is wrong.  Amazing how these little guys can just bounce back, huh?
Thanks to all of you for your support and warm wishes, I felt them from all
over the world.  You gave me the strength to hang in there for my son and
myself.  I can never thank you enough.
Love to you all!

Jay
Who is going to go cuddle with her baby...
will take a while to get used to the new teeth tho...
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, CA
"No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."
ICQ#4681696