Surgery Prep for 14 Month Old

Hi A.,

My daughter had surgery at 7 wks old (she is now 6) and was nursing her also. She too was getting up in the middle of the night to eat. My advice is to keep her up as long as possible that night so, she sleeps longer and you can just take her in her pajamas sleeping into the car in the morning. Also, give her a nighttime snack as late as possible. Check with the nurse and let her know you are nursing and find out the absolute last time you can feed her since, they may allow you to feed her in the middle of the night, maybe until 2am. Or maybe they will allow you to give her water or juice up until 2 am or 3 am. My other daughter, age 3, has been through 3 surgeries so, I know how difficult it is.....but believe or not, both girls did fine. I brought food and drink to the hospital so as soon as they allowed it, I gave it to them. Good Luck! I hope everything goes well with her surgery! A.

I have been through the same situation. This is what I did, to decrease her being able to smell your milk (yes nursing babies can smell the milk) try washing your shirt in lavender or another not too strong scent. You could also ask your husband to help out getting up with her. Also, ask the surgeon about giving her a small amount of pedialyte, my daughter's surgeon allowed me to give her two ounces of pedialyte at one of the feedings, which was just enough to calm her. Try using things that would normally calm her, singing, rocking, reading etc. I just tried to keep my daughter busy busy busy and it really ended up being not nearly as bad as I thought it would. To be honest, it was harder on me more so than her. A pacifier is another option!

I would call the floor and talk with the nurses about what is allowed. It is my understanding that they can have clear fluids up to 4 hours before surgery. Also, breastmilk is considered a clear fluid by most hospitals. If not, you can offer juice or water. If you can hold her off til 4am, I would nurse her then and then just water after that. Please read this link from Kellymom: http://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/baby-surgery.html

My 14month old had surgery last friday. He had tubes put in and his tonsils and adenoids removed. The not being able to eat/drink part was a lot easier than I had thought it would be. His surgery was scheduled for 10.30am so he wasn't allowed to have anything other than clear liquids after midnight and up until 3 hours before surgery. I just let him have Jello etc. He did okay. He could still have apple juice so I just gave him that instead of milk/nursing. I had bought a new, very loud and stimulating toy to distract him for when I knew he would really want milk and for the car ride.

The surgery itself was not bad but the recovery has been extremely grueling :( 10 days later and he is still in pain.

Best of luck. I hope all goes well for your little one.

These resources have several ideas and perspectives that seem to be helpful. One piece of information is that breast milk is in a different category than other foods, and that some experts say that only 3 hrs of fasting from breast milk is necessary...

http://llli.org/FAQ/anesthesia.html

http://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/baby-surgery.html

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t110247.asp

Best wishes,
J.

A.,
I had to wean my son from night feedings at approx. the same age due to a stomach bug that he had. It was such a hard night, but after that he only nursed during the day which was a good thing. I weaned him completely shortly after that. He of course was upset with me that night, but I put on videos/dvd's to try to distract him and calm him enough to fall back asleep. I did give him water in a sippy cup. Even though it will be tough for you, you will be glad not to have to wake up at night anymore to feed her. She should be sleeping through the night at 14 months. After that night, keep it up and offer her water if she wakes. Good Luck!

o i am so sorry to hear that! how difficult for both of you! I would say (from experience as I still nurse my 22 month old) that it would be best for someone else to go in her room or if you cosleep for you to move to a different room. My daughter could care less about nursing when she wakes and finds Daddy in the bed, she quickly goes back to sleep once she renders him useless (LOL!) WHen she is being difficult and waking a ton at night and I tell her that milk has gone night night and we are all done she gets LIVID...so if possible try to not be the one dealing with her that night...I am so sorry you have to go through this but at least your milk is going to help her recover fast!!!

Did you discuss this with her doctor? I think that is the best thing to do. See what he suggests.
My son had tubes put in his ears at about 1 1/2 years of age. But he was a 12 hour sleeper by that time and had no trouble with the no food prior to going to have surgery. I wish I had better advice.
His surgery was out patient. The surgery took about an hour and he was up running around an hour after. The doctor could not believe that he was out bothering the nurses when he came by to check on him. Good luck
S.

I really feel for you and your daughter! You know at this age you could really try to wean her off of nighttime feedings anyways. What if you try getting her down to just one even tonight... do you use a pacifier to help out in between feedings? I am thinking you could maybe try weaning her off the feedings before Monday so that it isn't quite as difficult that night when missing two whole feedings will just be so hard on you both. I also agree with the other mom that suggested sending daddy in to her room when she wakes instead of you since she will associate you with feeding. I know with my husband our 13 month old will just fall back asleep on his chest but for me she can't do that- she wants to eat. Best of luck and just know that it is just one night and while it will be a long one, you will get throught it- because you are a mom!!!

My son just had surgery on Tuesday. However he is a little older, just turned 2. First I would call and ask if she can have water, they told me my son could have water up until four other before the surgery. We kept him up about 2 hours later than normal and gave him an extra snack. He did sleep in a little. His surgery wasn't schedule until 10:30, so we kept our schedule the same, except for eating. We got dressed, played and we did our best to keep him away from the kitchen. We broke out some new toys and books too. I know it will be harder to do with a 14 month old, but I think trying to keep a normal day and just ignore the eating part might help.

Good luck!

K.

I don't have any suggestions since I never had to deal w/ this, but I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts...having your child go through ANYTHING medical is stressful and then to worry about nursing and other issues only adds to it! Hang in there...some good advice given here, so hopefully you can find something that will help you get through this! Best of luck to you!!!!