Continuing to breastfeed during/after implantation

I have had my pacemaker for almost 9 years and rarely give it a second thought. But in 2 weeks I'm getting my first replacement. I'm worried, because I'm still nursing my 8 1/2 month old, and have no intentions of stopping (especially since he's a tiny preemie who needs the best nutrition he can get to catch up).

I have a supply of milk pumped for the day of the surgery, and possibly some extra after that, but I'm very worried about how we'll get through this without affecting my milk supply, or affecting my wound.

My surgeon says I won't be able to lift Dawson for 2-3 days, which will be difficult as he nurses multiple times through the night as well, so I'll need round the clock help. Also, while I'm in the hospital for the whole day, I'm wondering how difficult it will be to pump, especially after the surgery, with the incision being so close to the breast. And my last worry is how to keep an active wigglepuss from kicking, or playing with my wound will I feed him, etc.

Has anyone made it through this? Any suggestions for me please?

Thanks!
Anjii

3 Comments

more info

by anjii - 2008-06-03 04:06:45

I forgot to mention, I also have a 3 year old at home, who I won't need to lift, but am also wondering how people dealt with being the primary caregiver for a baby and a toddler during this time :D

find some help for the physiocal demands

by winesap - 2008-06-03 05:06:49

Sounds to me like you need full time help for at least a couple weeks. Can your spouse or significant other get time off work to be with you? Do you have any family that could stay with you? Does Canada have something like la leche league? Maybe a church - even if you are not a member. Maybe it is some combination of all these ... It might even be an opportunity for local girl scouts to earn a merit badge. Your situation is the kind that all of us want to reach out to and provide support. Be creative, get on the phone and start asking. When you reach out and ask - you will often find you will get exactly what you need.

been there!

by bambi - 2008-06-03 09:06:41

Hi Anjii,
Many moons ago, I had an abdominal hernia repaired while I was still nursing my youngest son. I was not able to lift him for 3 weeks! I had my husband lift him out of his crib every morning. For the rest of the day, I made a "nest" on the floor where he napped. I had 2 other small children at the time, 3 and 4 years old, and they were wonderful "gofers" and help for me. I changed the baby's diapers and fed him at ground level all day. When my husband got home, he bathed the kids and put them to bed. I didn't have any other help unfortunately, but we really did just fine! As far as your baby playing with the incision, don't let him! Hold his hand gently away and say no. At 8 months he'll understand that. There's no reason to stop nursing. Your supply may be down for a few days, but you know the baby will build it back up. Is this your first replacement? I think you will find it easier than the initial surgery. Most people are pleasantly surprised at the ease they handle replacement surgery. Hope all this helps. Good luck!
Bambi

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