Nursing 9 mo old and abdominal surgery

[Minniebees]

I have to have my gallbladder out. There is something wrong with the way my organs are put together, so unfortunately they think this is going to be a pretty involved process. They already did one procedure which ended up taking a lot longer than they planned as a pre-surgery prep thing. I may have to spend up to 7 days in the hospital. Or I may go home the same day. They might be able to do it laproscopically, but will probably have to open me up. They said recovery was similar either way. I guess because it's all convoluted in there.

So, I'm nursing a 9 month old. I spent last week in the hospital as an emergency without any built up milk supplies, and he did just fine on formula. I had to pump and dump because of the meds. I had a contrast CT and, man, my milk was a funky color, lol. I'm going to try to build up some milk in the fridge, but my supply is down since I didn't eat for 4 days, and was only pumping as I was able, which wasn't a lot.

So, I'm trying to figure out how to nurse a wiggly 9 month old with a surgical wound. He's like nursing an octopus. When I nurse him laying down, he kicks my tummy repeatedly. I didn't notice it so much until I had a sore tummy from the ERCP. But he kicks my tummy a lot, while nursing and sleeping. I can't nurse him in a cradle. I could do a football, but only on the left side, since I may have a pretty big wound on the right. He's a big 9 month old, too. He's in 12-18 mo size clothes and weighs over 20 pounds. Search me, all my other kids were tiny. He's as big as my 3rd kid was when she was 3.

Any experience/help/advice?

[tibeca]

It can be done but will take creativity on your part. Some women are able lay flat on their back and have baby kneel over them.

Definitely be sure you have someone to help you out while you heal! NO matter what, it is going to be a hard recovery with a baby to care for too.

[abunchoflemons]

I know our sounds odd but try do busting side by side but where his legs are by your head?


my 6 month old had your 9 months specifications. We have had a big boy. My daughter before him was tiny and the other one before her was average.

[l_Kimmie_l]

I have no suggestions but wish you a fast, peaceful, easy recovery.

[Minniebees]

I'm definitely going to have help. They wanted to take it out last week, but we have to work it around dh's schedule. Thankfully his team was really great about swapping calls so he could take care of the kids last week. I'm also going to have my mom come down and help out, too.

Originally Posted by abunchoflemons I know our sounds odd but try do busting side by side but where his legs are by your head? my 6 month old had your 9 months specifications. We have had a big boy. My daughter before him was tiny and the other one before her was average.

That's a good idea. Unless he decides to start grabbing at the bandages or stitches, but I'll just have to see if he does that. He's just at that wiggly, grabby, can't focus on nursing cause everything around me is too awesome phase, KWIM? Honestly, I just feel like weaning him, but that probably isn't the best thing for him, so I'm going to try to stick it out.

This blows.

[dvrgrl38]

Maybe lay him on a pillow on your lap or tuck a small pillow between you two if you nurse laying down.

[cuddlebunny_24]

Boppy pillow or any pillow really or lay down to nurse him with a throw pillow over the incision area. My boppy was a life saver with all three c sections. I was told I would never need it. I did and I still use it with my youngest.