Surgery meds and recovery pain meds

[Shaauser1985]

I am planning a surgery when my baby will be 15 months and still nursing at least 4x/day and my toddler will be 3 years old and likely nursing at least 2x/day. Surgery is for tube removal and umbilical hernia repair.

• Are there anesthesia medicines that I will need to pump and dump for? I won't see my youngest until about 8+ hours after surgery and I can probably get out of the night feed for my toddler.
• Are there specific pain killers I should request that are safe/safer?

I had two c sections and breastfed my newborns on the standard cocktail of pain meds. I presume I'll be sent home with similar medications but told to pump and dump "for safety." Consulting with others who have had this hernia surgery, they are on prescription pain meds for 3-7 days. I can't pump and dump that long without bringing my children to my breast, but I also need to heal properly and sleep well.

[Shaauser1985]

Bump? Coming up next month.

[alicia]

The most common anesthesia medications that they use are Fentanyl, Versed, or Propofol. You would want to wait until after surgery, once you feel awake and alert, then you would want to wait an additional 4 hours. You want to avoid Demerol. If they use Demerol you would need to wait longer depending on the dose and how much they gave you. The most common pain medications are Hydrocodone, Oxycodone. If you get either of those do not go over 40mg in a 24 hour period. Wait at least 2 hours after taking. Watch baby for sedation, slowed breathing rate, pallor, difficulty feeding, and constipation. Do not take multiple pain narcotics. If you have any other questions or get other medications you can call us at 806-352-2519 and we can go over them with you.

Alicia Nelson RN Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
Infant Risk Center