Breastfeeding and Surgery

When you have your perfect baby you don't for see anything ever going wrong. You don't want them to get sick and you hope they never have to go to the hospital to have anything done. Since my son was born at 34wks and had some breathing issues at birth, we have dealt with our share of upper respitory issues. He had to undergo a bronchoscopy this week and I was astounded by the added benefits he had because he is a breastfed baby. Even as a nurse I would have never realized how much easier this whole ordeal was because of breastfeeding. So if you are on the fence about breastfeeding...read this. You never know when you little guy might have to undergo something like this. Also, if you are a breast feeding momma, it is good to know this stuff so you can advocate for your child!!

• He could have breast milk 4 hours prior to surgery. A formula fed baby has to be at least 8 hours with nothing to eat.
• He was able to breast feed immedietly after waking up from the procedure, a formula fed baby would have to have a "clear" liquid first.
• Because the procedure he had involved them going down his throat he had to be on clear liquids no solids for 8 hours AFTER the procedure. That would mean a formula fed baby would have ANOTHER 8 hours of no bottle! Evan could eat as much as he wanted, just no baby puree's.

This made things so much easier because they get so hungry and do not understand why mommy isn't feeding them! It was so nice to go right into the recovery room and nurse my sweet baby boy. It comforted momma and it comforted baby.