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Breastfeeding and Anesthesia: Some Specific Recommendations for Patients (page 2)
If you wish to breastfeed, you should make sure that you make this very clear to the hospital staff and your physicians. You might have to be adamant about this and state specifically that you only wish to receive medications that are compatible with breastfeeding. You should ask your physicians to check drug references that specifically deal with the issue of breast milk and medications. One of the best, and most commonly used, is "Medications and Mothers' Milk 2000" by Dr. Thomas Hale. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides some publications that deal with the same issues.
You should also inquire as to alternatives to hospitalization. Can the surgery be done on an outpatient basis? Can the surgery be postponed until the baby is older? Can the surgery be done with only local anesthesia?
If you do need hospitalization, you should inquire about hospital policies about breastfeeding mothers and babies. This should include information about whether the baby is allowed to stay in the hospital, what type of alternative care should be arranged (the mother will not be able to care for the baby after her surgery usually), what kind of room needs to be reserved, etc.
Also consider:
- Whether some milk can be pumped and stored in advance
- Whether the baby will bottle feed if nursing from the breast cannot be done right away
- Whether the surgical incision is near the breast area
- Help at home may be needed for some time to allow for recovery of the mother
Again, it is important to go over the specifics of your wishes, arrangements and medications with your physician. The details of your particular situation may be different and there may be risks that are not covered here. Be clear about your wishes, but try to work with the medical staff as a team to try to achieve the best benefits for mother and child with the least risk.
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