baby only breast feeds

[torichan]

My baby only breast feeds. She's never had a bottle or a pacifier. She refuses both. I am a stay at home mom so we never bothered to push the issue as there was no need. Is that going to be a problem after surgery?

[AJ's Mommy]

My son was only breastfed and he did just fine. The nurses will help you get comfortable to nurse her! It shouldn't be a problem at all.

[torichan]

Oh thank heavens...I was starting to get anxious over that. I suppose it's not the biggest worry I have, but it was really hanging heavy over me....like I should have made her use a bottle.

[Nezzy]

He should be fine! I know lots of mommies on here breastfed right after surgery.

[BrendansMummy]

my little one was on the breast about an hour after surgery and spent most of his recovery period on the breast, It shouldnt be a problem at all :)

[AJ's Mommy]

I hear ya. My son and daughter NEVER took a bottle. He did however take a tiny bit of one in the hospital with pedialyte. He didn't like the bottle at all

[Etinker]

Maya was only breast fed or bottle fed breast milk. I nursed her not too long after her surgery but she did take a bottle right after. it was a bit easier with the wires. I'm pretty sure I heard a couple moms say their munchkin was so hungry that they took a bottle at first even though they never had a bottle before. I know some parents also try to introduce the bottle before to give them more flexibility. Don't worry no matter what happens you will work it out!
You should think about pumping on the day of surgery though because you little one is likely to be in surgery a while and your milk could seriously build up!

[torichan]

Shoot...I never gave pumping a thought. Never had to, never have done it! Thanks for the heads up. :)

[Etinker]

They usually have a pump at the hospital you can use. I think you may be able to donate the extra milk if you are interested or you could save it in case you NEED a bottle at some point.

[torichan]

It's embarrassing to say this, but I could donate A LOT of milk. I have a huge over production issue!

[Etinker]

I had a lot with my first. It would literally spray everywhere when uncovered! You don't want to be in pain or even sick because you haven't bfd for awhile so I'd definitely check into it. It's not too hard - I swear. Maybe it will distract you during surgery trying to figure out how to use the pump. :)

[Monica]

Florence was also a breast only baby. I tried desperately to "teach" her how to use a bottle before the surgery and she would go without rather than take it. We did "trick" her into a pedialyte bottle immediately after surgery while she was still a little groggy. The first night, I leaned over the bed. The next day, they helped me figure out how to hold her so I could nurse. You will want to pump some. Contact the lactation consultants at the hospital where you are going and make sure you have the right parts. They can provide the machine, but you might need your own parts (bottles, tubes, etc). Also, Florence did nurse after, but not eating as much as usual, so I would pump to keep my supply up.

[Noah's Mom]

What a relief to read I don't need to pump for this. I have trouble pumping... just don't seem to make a lot of extra milk. I've been feeling super stressed about this! Thanks for posting.. I'm gonna sleep easier tonight!

[Jean]

If you try a bottle, try the playtex bottle with the brown nipple. The nipple is softer than the clear plastic. It was the only one my daughter would take. And have a woman give it to her when your not around. You try dad but I find my babies do better with females.

[Jean]

Noah's mom, if you do end up having to pump, try the mothers milk tea at babies r us. It helps me get a few extra ounces.

[Noah's Mom]

Thanks for the tip, Jean. I'll get some of that!

[thehermanfamily07]

I'm happy to find this post. I too am EBF, and Sarah's first surgery will be at 5 months old, so she will most definitely still be EBF, and I have been worried about nursing post surgery. Hopefully they will have a LC or helpful nurses around for support. I do still intend to pump, both to relieve myself as well as to attempt to give her a bottle.

[kansasmom]

Same here--only breastfed--my babies never took a bottle. Mary was nursing, or hanging out on my breast as soon as we saw her post op until we left the next day! Hope all goes well! Thinking of you :)