Breast Feeding After Tonsillectomy

I would read the article on Mothering.com called "Expert Dr. Thomas Hale on Medications and Breastfeeding." It has great information on certain pain releivers and you milk. I would try and stay away from codeine, there has been recent studies questioning it while breastfeeding. Anyway the article also explains when it is best to take medication so the level in your milk is at its lowest. It has great information I think you might find helpful. Best of luck
T.

I had major knee surgery when my second baby was just 5 months old. Because of the anesthetic used during surgery I couldn't nurse for 48 hours. During this time I had to pump-and-dump to keep my milk supply up.

After those 48 hours, I had trouble with letdown because of the painkillers I was on. My baby would latch on, but I couldn't get the milk flowing. I had never had trouble before. I was truly panicked and heartbroken, but I eventually recovered and was able to keep nursing.

Luckily I had built up my milk reserves in the freezer and was able to get through. I definitely suggest building up a reserve just in case. Hopefully everything will go well, you’ll recover quickly, and you’ll have plenty of milk saved up for the babysitter to use when you go out for that first post-op dinner!

Good luck!

I don't see why/how your surgery would affect your ability to nurse, other than your own physical exhaustion. I haven't personally had my tonsils out, so I'm not sure how long your recovery was. But, I did have my wisdom teeth out, and was put under for that...and got married one week later! :) Good luck!

I got my tonsils taken out when I was a little girl so I do not know if it will affect breasfeeding but I highly doubt it. The time for recovery is very short and you will not be able to talk for a couple of days and be on a strict diet. I went home the next day and the recovery does not prevent you from taking care of your babies.

I breastfed my son after surgery (a c section) with absolutely no problems. Recovering from anything is difficult, you may not be able to talk (or yell!) at your kids for quite a while, but I don't think you have much else to worry about.

Hi J.,

I had my tonsils out a few years ago and the recovery wasn't too bad. You are quite groggy and sore for a few days, and you don't want to talk much if at all. I was in bed/on the couch for two days and then was up and out of the house for short trips on the third day (I was going completely stir crazy being trapped inside). You do get quite tired pretty quickly, so I would have help for your kiddos for a week, just in case your recovery takes longer. Personally, I think the hardest part was not being able to eat anything but liquids or very soft foods while my throat healed. I craved a big cheeseburger for weeks!

As far as nursing goes, I had a co-worker who had her gallbladder removed when she was nursing her son. Her surgeon recommended she take a day off of nursing because of the anesthesia, but after that she could nurse as much and as often as she wanted. I would talk to your doctor and see what s/he suggests.

Good luck! I hope the procedure goes well!

I had my tonsils out when I was 19 and the recovery was terrible. I was on my back for 2 weeks and couldn't eat anything for 3. I lost 25 pounds and it was miserable. However, as a pain killer, they had me on Tylenol 3. I know Tylenol is safe when you are nursing, but I am not sure about the codiene. I'm sure the doctors will prescribe you something that is safe. But I encourage you to plan for the worst, and then hopefully it will not be so bad. Good luck.