Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant

Will my baby be able to continue breastfeeding after surgery?

When a baby is having surgery, it can be a scary experience for the parents and the baby. But the closeness and security of breastfeeding can be very calming and comforting. Surgery may interrupt breastfeeding for a period of time. 

You will have to stop breastfeeding at some point before your baby's surgery. Make sure you know when you can give your last feeding.

Managing breastfeeding after surgery

In most cases, your baby will be able to breastfeed once he or she is awake enough to drink liquids without problems, as advised by his or her healthcare provider. Regardless of the length of time this takes, there are some things you can do to make the experience less stressful, including the following:

• Since you may have to miss one or more breastfeeding sessions, pumping your breasts to express your milk will relieve discomfort and maintain your milk supply. This process will be a little easier if you plan ahead.

• Ask your baby's healthcare provider where you may pump while at the hospital. Electric pumps are usually available for your use. If you will be missing more than a few nursing sessions and will not be at the hospital all the time, you might want to rent an electric breast pump from the hospital to use during this time.

• Steady milk production depends on effective and regular milk expression until your baby is ready and able to resume breastfeeding. Pump on the same schedule as your baby would normally breastfeed. Use a double collection kit that allows you to pump both breasts at once. Most mothers will need to pump for about 10 minutes when double-pumping, or 10 minutes on each breast. If your baby is a newborn and your milk has not yet come in, be sure to pump at least 8 times in 24 hours. You may not see any milk during the first several pumping sessions, and you may only get drops for several sessions after that. The milk produced before days 3 to 5 after delivery is called colostrum. It is normally produced in low amounts. However, colostrum is especially rich in the anti-infective factors that are important for your baby.

• Breast milk may be frozen for several months, or refrigerated and used within 4 days after pumping. You will need to properly collect, label, and store your milk. Talk with a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) for more information about pumping and breast milk storage.

• In most cases, you can resume breastfeeding when your baby has awakened from the anesthesia. However, surgery can be very disruptive and your baby may not be interested or ready to breastfeed right after surgery. If your baby is not able to breastfeed the usual length of time, you can pump after the feeding to empty your breasts and maintain your milk production.

Since this is a stressful time for the family, you may find that your milk supply is reduced. Remember to rest and maintain your food and especially your fluid intake during this time to help you stay healthy and maintain your breast milk supply.