Breastfeeding newborn after anesthetic?

[Lily Dust]

So Im at that point where I am starting to think about my birth plans/ hopes etc and I have a bit of a question for those who have been there or who are in the know

At this point we are planning to homebirth this bub, but it's has been set in place that if I require the 'repair' work to the extent that I did last time that I will be admitted to the closest hospital with 24 hour theatre availability (1.5 hours away) for a general and stitching. How do I get on with breastfeeding AFTER surgery if it comes to that? Are you able to BF immediately after a general? or would I need to pump and dump for a while etc? By all accounts I have heard this particular place is very quick to opt to formula for top ups.

[LysnDan]

Hi Lily Dust

Are you able to get in touch with a milk bank and ask for donated EBM and suggest that is given before a formula top up if you can't breastfeed?

When I had surgery they advised me to pump and dump for a few expressions (the rest of the days worth of milk) due to the anaesthetic. Although I did have a 6 week old prem in the nicu so not sure if it's different rules regarding dumping, but that's what I was told to do.

Hugs. Hoping you have a smooth and successful homebirth and don't need the GA at all.

[jellybean88]

I will be expressing colostrum for this baby before its born so she won't need top ups when she is born maybe you could try that

[onthefly]

First, I would definitely be talking to your carers about this. You might want to write up a breastfeeding plan and make sure everyone's aware of your wishes. If you think there's a good chance you might need to be separated for any length of time post-birth, then maybe ante-natal expressing is an option. Perhaps talking to an LC would be helpful with planning for this, too?
Re the GA - it should be fine. Mothers breastfeed immediately after c/s including under GA. Again, talk to your carers about your options. They may or may not allow your baby in the recovery room, for eg, but sometimes you can negotiate these things.
Fingers crossed you don't need it, but it certainly pays to think ahead!

[Astrid]

I was able breastfeed straight after a c-section with GA. The midwife brought Dd1 into recovery for me. Got in trouble for it, but she knew my feelings about breastfeeding

[little_mrs]

I had a rather heavy spinal block for a rushed epi/forceps delivery with dd and as soon as the finished stitching me up she was put on me to feed, didn't effect her at all. Hopefully all goes well and you don't need to go to hospital at all

[NicNac]

I recently had surgery post birth for a fourth degree tear. i asked for a general but they advised i wouldn't be able to feed straight away with a general, but could with an epidural, so epidural it was!

[OceanPrincess]

Hey hun, it is great that you are thinking about it now MadB has given some good suggestions - I really love the breastfeeding plan idea. Another thing, you need to ensure that all the doctors etc at the hospital are aware that you are breastfeeding and should plan your pain relief and anaesthesia accordingly. As many of the PPs have indicated, many mums BF after c/s or other surgery, but you just need to be sure they are aware you are breastfeeding.

[peanutter]

I was able to BF immediately after coming back to the ward after surgery under GA.

There's a really helpful expert at monash medical centre ... I'm sure someone will know his name, and can get his number to you.

Also, in my experience midwives will help hand express you if needed, if you can't do it or if you're still woozy. Just ask for help, and makesure they know in advance you'll want that - and make sure your support person knows too, so that can help too