Surgery While Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know

If you need surgery while breastfeeding, you might be wondering whether you need to wean your baby. Surgery and breastfeeding are compatible, and with proper planning, you can continue nursing your little one. The effects of anesthesia are very short-lived, and most medications used during and after surgery are safe for breastfeeding mothers. This guide will help you prepare for surgery while maintaining your breastfeeding journey.

Planning for Surgery While Breastfeeding

Preparation is key when you're facing surgery as a nursing mother. Here's what you need to do before your procedure:

Build Your Milk Supply Start pumping and freezing breastmilk in advance. This ensures your baby has plenty to eat while you're recovering and gives you peace of mind.

Choose Outpatient Surgery When Possible Opt for outpatient surgery that won't require an overnight hospital stay. This allows you to get back to your baby and resume normal breastfeeding more quickly.

Prepare Your Baby for Bottle Feeding Make sure your baby will accept a bottle or practice using a cup for feedings. If your infant is less than 4 weeks old and has shown any reluctance to breastfeed, avoid introducing bottles. Breastfed babies typically transition better from breast to bottle using nipples with a long shank, wide base, and slow flow. Teach your caregivers to use paced bottle feeding techniques.

Discuss Anesthesia Options Talk with your surgeon about the type of pre-anesthesia medication and anesthesia that will be used. If you have concerns about specific medications, check Toxnet for detailed information about medication compatibility with breastfeeding.

Time Your Last Nursing Session Arrange to nurse your baby right before the surgery. This keeps your baby fed and comfortable while keeping you more comfortable during the procedure.

Make Rooming-In Arrangements If possible, arrange for your baby to room-in at the hospital. Many hospitals require another adult to be present to care for the baby while you're recovering.

Secure a Hospital-Grade Breast Pump Arrange for a hospital-grade electric breast pump to use in the hospital for times when your baby isn't present or able to nurse. This helps you maintain your milk supply and stay comfortable.

Day of Surgery: Resuming Breastfeeding

Once your surgery is complete, you can get back to nursing sooner than you might think:

Breastfeed as Soon as You're Awake With assistance, you can breastfeed as soon as you wake up from anesthesia. The medications used during surgery pass to your infant in minimal amounts and are insignificant to healthy, thriving babies.

Special Considerations for Breast Surgery If your surgery was on the breast, your baby can still nurse as long as the latch doesn't cover the incision area. If it does, dress the incision (it may ooze breastmilk and need frequent changing) and use a breast pump until sufficient healing has occurred. Continue nursing on the other breast in the meantime.

Managing Post-Operative Pain Use post-operative pain medications as needed. The amount of medication that passes to your infant is minimal and insignificant for healthy babies who are gaining weight well.

Check Medication Compatibility If you need additional medications beyond standard pain relief, ensure they're compatible with breastfeeding—most are. You can verify any medication using Toxnet.

Arrange Help at Home Plan for help at home for several weeks to allow ample time for recuperation. Having support means you can focus on healing while maintaining your breastfeeding relationship.

The Bottom Line

Surgery doesn't mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With proper planning and support, you can safely continue nursing your baby through your surgical experience. The effects of anesthesia are very short-lived, and resuming breastfeeding as soon as possible benefits both you and your baby. Trust your healthcare providers, prepare in advance, and know that you can successfully balance surgery and breastfeeding.