Can one breastfeed after surgery?

I have tried looking this up on the internet but can't find an answer. I know that you should not get pregnant immediately after weight loss surgery, but I already have given birth to my baby. She is 11 months old and still nursing (though she does eat some solids). I had wanted to let her wean herself (probably she would want to around 2 or 3 years old). Does anyone know if you can breastfeed after surgery?

Absolutely!!! Check out [email protected] A group just for Moms who have had or want to have WLS Jen Layman

thanks!! now i'm even more excited lol.

I tried that site and it didn't work. Is there another way to get there?

Try this link instead. If not just go to yahoo groups log in and then search for OSSG-breastfeeding and it should come up. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-breastfeeding/ Jen

I was still nursing at the time I had surgery. My doctor forced me to quit. First of all, you're not getting enough nutrients the way it is, so even less get to the baby. I was not ready to wean and neither was my daughter. I wish I would have seen the article mentioned before hand. I was feeling so weak after surgery, that I just naturally followed my doctors orders. Plus, I couldn't lift immediately after either. We did try the lying down position for about a week after surgery (against the doctor's) orders, but my supply started dwindling so badly that I just ended up weaning. Good luck to you. Breastfeeding mamas have a special place in my heart. I was heartbroken.... Stacey

I am weaning my 16 month old today for my surgery on the 20th. I wanted to give her enough time to get used to that before I leave her for a few days. Neither of us were ready, but my dr. said there's no way to nurse after surgery. Since, you don't have enough for yourself, it's not safe for you to give what you do have to the baby. At least that's what he said. I figured if I make myself even weaker my nursing her I won't be any good to her. I'd rather recover more quickly and be her Mommy again sooner.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON why you should have to quit nursing!!!!!!!!! I had my surgery when my baby was 6 months old. He is now 9 and 1/2 months old and we are still nursing. I have also lost 75 lbs. I just had my three month post op blood work done and evrything was NORMAL!!!!!!! If your doc says to quit nursing - find another doc!!!! I am a firm believer in breastfeeding and if I had any doubts about the nutrition I would have waited on my surgery. In fact my surgeon supported me 100%. I take a prenatal vitamin once a day and also 1000 mgs of citracal with vitamin D. If you ever need anything or questions about nursing after surgery e-mail me!!!! DO NOT QUIT NURSING until you and you daughter are ready!!