Breastfeeding after WLS

I had one pregnancy while obese and had no issues breastfeeding my daughter.

 

We are now working with a surrogate (I am unable to carry another child) and I am considering getting a sleeve as I am tipping the scales being morbidly obese.  I would be about 6 months out from surgery when my child would be born.

I had been hoping to induce lactation so I could breastfeed this new child from the surrogate, but given that my dietary intake would be significantly different than it was when I breastfeed my other child, I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to do it.

I know this is a unique case, but can anyone comment on any challenges related to breastfeeding after surgery?  Were you able to produce enough and provide for your baby or did you struggle (in your opinion due to low calorie intake and/or nutritional concerns). 

Thanks!

A lot of women post surgery do just fine breastfeeding their little ones!  I breastfed fist for 3 months...he had tons of issues, not because of my WLS...he was tongue tied and couldn't get a good latch!  (I also had to have my gallbladder removed at 3 months). So those 2 things worked against us and we were unable to continue.  My Second (5 weeks old)  is doing great so far!  He has not had any of the feeding issues my first had and my body seems to know what it needs to do!  ( I should note though that I both breastfeed and formula feed!  It works for us!). 

 

I was 5 years post op with my first and able to breastfeed with no supplement for one year . My second baby was born this past June at almost ten years post op and also post breast lift and I'm also able to breastfeed. I have had to supplement some with formula due to illness reducing my supply some and a hectic work schedule not to mention she has a larger appetite than her brother did.... But she gets majority breastmilk.

As long as you're getting plenty of fluids and nutrition, it shouldn't be a big issue.  I got pregnant 6 months post sleeve, so by the time the baby was born, I was just over a year out from surgery.  I had no issues breastfeeding him.  I'm sure a good lactation consultant can get you where you need to be.  I'd say start early so you can get your supply up and going before the baby is born.  Perhaps that way you can even have a stash in the freezer in case there are issues.   Good luck!

I had 2 babies prior to wls and breastfed both no issues, now have a 6month old born a little over 3 yrs post wls and no issues with supply--I do seem thirsty all the time and drink a lot of water