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Breastfeeding through a CT and maybe resection

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/28/2011 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
Any ladies do it? I'm being urged to consider laproscopic resection while I'm still on maternity leave. I will not do it if I have to wean my seven month old.

Before the decision I also have to do a CT with the contrast stuff. I was told to pump and dump but not given a time frame. Any resources on that?
Posted 1/28/2011 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Can't offer specific advice but you might try your local LaLeche League (if there's one near you) or any other breast feeding support programs in your area. In our area we have both La Leche and an intensive breast feeding support program with professional support through the WIC program for low income women. Even if you wouldn't normally qualify for those services, I suspect they would be happy to try to help you out.

Only other thing I can think to suggest is to ask your OB and/or Peds for advice.

Best wishes and congratulations on your new baby.

Patricia
Posted 1/28/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Inflamed, there is a good online resource, Dr. Hale's medicines and mother's milk. Here is where his website is now hosted: http://www.infantrisk.com/category/breastfeeding. If you scroll down you will see the link to medications and breastfeeding. Right above that is info about radiocontrast agents and breastfeeding.

I'm glad you are considering how to make this work. I breastfed both of my daughters past 12 months (the 2nd went for 31) and I know how hard and rewarding it can be.
Posted 1/28/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
I have a friend who is a certified lactation consultant. She also has crohn's and knows a lot about this stuff. If it's ok with you I will ask her and get back to you on this. It might take a day or two for her to answer me. I'll post as soon as I have an answer.
Posted 1/28/2011 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Stef -- that would be wonderful!! On the CT I just got "I don't know maybe 24 hours?"

I'm sure surgery will mean pumping and dumping while I'm on meds. Figure I can use my recovery time to fix the supply by having a nurse in. I nursed by daughter 15 months and I felt like she was cut off too early with my pregnancy. This is WAY too soon for me.
Posted 1/28/2011 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
The radiologists confirmed 24 hours for iv and oral contrast. Time to pump, pump, pump.
Posted 1/29/2011 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
I sent my friend an email and she called me right away. I was out when she called, so I will return her call and as soon as we get in touch I will have answers for you. Her message to me sounded very upbeat - so it sounds like you have hope! :) YAY! Hope to be back with info for you by the end of the weekend - I hope that isn't too long to wait.
Posted 1/29/2011 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
The meds might not be a problem. With a lap resection, depending on your pain tolerance, you may only need a few days of meds.

The bigger problem would be handling it physically. Depending on your system, you might not be able to eat for up to a week. My surgeon told me that most people are able to eat within four days but some take longer. Pumping and dumping might be exhausting for you.

I had a resection a few years ago and still needed an afternoon nap when I went back to work 6 weeks later. I had D for months and felt wiped out far longer than I expected to.

I nursed my son well past his second birthday so I understand your desire to continue. You certainly sound motivated enough to work it out. Good luck!
Posted 1/29/2011 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Stef -- I'll happily wait. I love that she sounded upbeat. The CT is next week, no decisions on surgery until after that. Thank you so, so much for contacting her. Thank her too! As you can tell, I can't sleep since the serious surgery talk came up. I wasn't expecting it. My symptoms aren't unbearable, but getting worse. No active disease anymore it's just all stricture. They want me to get it taken care of before I need emergency surgery.

Dagger-- good point. I've nursed while not eating for a few days, but not a week. I have great supply now, but I'm sure surgery would really test it. I want to make at least 18 months this time. So much to consider.
Posted 1/29/2011 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I can't really help I'm afraid other than to tell you that I've been in and out of hospital for surgeries like a yoyo the last year and have been breastfeeding throughout. Just make sure everyone you speak to knows that you are breastfeeding, in my experiance, everyone has been great with offering advice and alternatives where necessary. I've managed not to wean my little one... good luck to you and hope everything goes well x
Posted 1/30/2011 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Inflamed - spoke with my friend. She said she can give you more specific info on time frames and pump/dump if you can find out the NAME of the contrast they are going to use and also the NAME of the anesthesia they are going to use for the surgery. She said it might take a little digging and a bit of insistance on your part, but someone should be able to tell you what exactly they plan on using.

Of course in the meantime, start pumping and stashing your supply. She said she sees no reason you can continue breastfeeding despite having the surgery.

As Kazbern posted - definitely use infantrisk.org (Dr. Hale's site) as a resource - and your doctor can use it too - if willing.
Posted 1/30/2011 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Stef. I'll call radiology back on the contrast. There are two. No idea on surgery yet. Hinges on the CT. Thank you so much. I'm trying to put a bottle away each day for now.
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