pumping for surgery

[mamamerle]

i am scheduled for bunion surgery in less than two weeks. They tell me this is an in and out day surgery, but I will be knocked out for the procedure. I'm guessing they will also send me home with pain meds.

I am wondering how much milk I need to have in the freezer for the baby. A days worth? A weeks worth? Please advise.

[kittywitty]

My LO was 4 months old when I had surgery. I had probably 20 oz. pumped for her, but she didn't need any at all. I nursed her right before anesthesia (my nurse is an old family friend and they were totally ok with that) and when I woke up from anesthesia. I talked to 3 anesthesiologists and had information from kellymom & dr. Hale printed out. I also pre-approved my post-op pain meds. They changed them on me, but luckily they still turned out to be ok. Considering you are having such minor surgery, I would pump once a day or so if you are worried for a worst case scenario, but just one bottles worth would be more than good enough.

[mamamerle]

Thank you!

[foreverinbluejeans]

You won't need any bottles. You can nurse as soon as you come out of surgery. It's not worth risking giving your baby bottles. I had surgery for cervical cancer and a friend held my baby in the waiting room. Pain killers aren't a problem, moms that have c-sections take them all the time.