Might not be able to breastfeed!!!!

Just found out from my breastfeeding class at WIC, that I may not be able to breastfeed... I had Gastric Bypass Surgery April 2008.
The nurse stated I may not be able to produce enough Fat in my milk to sustain the baby...
I feel really disappointed, but they said we will try and last resort do formula.

Sorry, but that's rediculous of her. I mean, rediculous. Your breasts and milk ducts are not related to the size of your stomach, and I know so many women who are post op and have done just fine. Don't worry ... your body knows what to do, and if you have concerns, find a good lactation consultant in your area who can guide you. Good luck!

Seriously!?  There are a TON of gastric bypass patients who have been able to breastfeed their children.  This woman is obviously misinformed!

Uh, yeah what they said. Talk about BS info from people *****ally don't know anything. And just because they have the "lactation consultant" title doesn't actually mean they are true LC's either.

I'm 3 weeks PP and my baby is gaining weight just fine and dandy. I agree your breasts aren't completely attatched to your stomach. You only need 500 calories a day to produce milk for a baby. You really need more water/liquids than you do food.

I agree! The LC is giving you bs! Ryan is almost 5 months and 14lbs and has been BF since birth.

I also take issue with LC's making formula out to be such a bad thing. Sure, breast milk is the best, but you can't let your baby go hungry. Some LC's make it out to be poison. If breast feeding doesn't work out or you need to supplement with formula, it's not a last resort, it's the next best thing.

Just to add my 2 cents to the thread, I've breastfed 2 children since my WLS both without ever getting formula even once. My iron stores did get depleted between weaning Reagan at 18 months and getting pregnant again one year later. My milk was very thin and watery with Riley and I was worried but in a normal infant they do just fine on what they call skim milk. He grew great on his curve and at 2 1/2 is still right on his curve.

Even if this misinformed LC was correct, you can always nurse and supplement but it will have an effect on your supply if you supplement. I did see that show 19 kids and counting where Michelle Duggar also talked about having skim milk and because her daughter is a micropreemie they supplement. Those are things that the hospital staff will help you with.

I would do my best to educate this WIC LC because she really doesn't know what she is talking about.

It's pretty scary that someone who is teaching women about breastfeeding is so misinformed! I have been BF since Anberlin was born and she has gained 8lbs! She is right on track for her weight. She has had NO problems and neither have I! You have the same odds as any other women at being successful at BF!

-Ashlie

That nurse is so full of it, it isn't funny. I breastfed all three of my children, 2 of which were post rny. My daughter will be 4 in October, my youngest son just turned 2. They all gained weight as they should have. They got plenty of milk. My youngest only got formula because my husband instisted on giving it a try so he could try feeding him. I couldn't pump enough into a bottle. My boy wrinkled his nose at the formula ^_^

I weaned my daughter because I was a few months pregnant with the youngest. Yes, you CAN get prgnant when breastfeeding! But she was about 15 months old anyway & was nearly done. My youngest just FINALLY weaned a few weeks before he turned 2. & I am still lactating.

So... yea... that nurse is full of it. Gastric bypass =/= inability to breastfeed!

That nurse was a moron, and when you go to have your baby make sure you ask for someone else, and do your own reserach and go prepared with articles and printouts about how STUPID that statement is.

I agree...that nurse is an idiot.  I got pregnant at 9 months post op from RNY and I am currently breast feeding my newborn daughter.  I would suggest talking to a LC and not listening to WIC nurses....