Breastfeeding While Mom is Hospitalized

Planned or unplanned, hospitalizations can separate a breastfeeding mom from her nursing baby. Breastfeeding mothers may be left wondering if they can continue to breastfeed their child or if they need to wean the breastfed baby early. Breast milk is better for baby. A woman does not have to stop breastfeeding, because of hospitalization. A few considerations will need to be made, but the breastfeeding relationship can continue successfully.

Make sure your doctor knows you are a breastfeeding mother. It is important for them to know this when considering what medications and procedures to prescribe you. In fact, make sure every doctor and nurse caring for you knows that you are breastfeeding. Even though it may be in your chart, it may not be noticed. Everyone treating you needs to know that you are breastfeeding.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about how your medical treatment will effect your ability to breastfeed. In most cases a breastfeeding friendly medication can be prescribed. It may be necessary to use a medication that is not safe for baby. If your medication is not safe to expose your baby to through your breast milk then you can pump and dump your milk to maintain your milk supply.

Having pumped breast milk stored at home in a freezer is a huge asset. If you know ahead of time that your milk will not be safe for baby and the period you will be away you can store away an adequate amount of breast milk. It is always a good idea to have some amount of breast milk stored away for emergency situations.

It is likely that someone can simply bring baby to visit and nurse while mom is hospitalized. If this is not possible than a breast pump can be used to express milk to be sent home for baby.

A hospital grade breast pump will be helpful for expressing milk for an extended period, such as a hospital stay. You can most likely get a pump from the hospital to use during your stay. Make sure you bring storage bags or bottles to send home expressed milk. Mom could bring her own breast pump to the hospital as well.

Take other procedures in to consideration while planning to accommodate breastfeeding. Will surgery separate you from your baby for a prolonged period? Are pillows needed to make nursing more comfortable due to incision spots? Will there be any periods of time that your breast milk is not safe for baby? Careful planning and being open with your doctor about your desire to continue breastfeeding will ensure breastfeeding success even during a time of hospitalization.