Breastfeeding Question

**Missy** · 02-08-2005, 07:31 PM

My doc is pushing for me to get a Tubal Ligation done at the same time I have the Ceserean Section (not voluntary, it is medically necessary). I don't want to do it if it will affect my ability to Breastfeed. He claims it won't interfere anymore than the C/S. I have called LaLeache and they said there is conflicting information...Does anyone here know definitely either way?

**forestdale** · 02-08-2005, 07:40 PM

missy, I've assisted at many c-sections and I don't know how having a tubal ligation at the same time could effect breastfeeding. All the doctor will do is to close off the tubes that allows the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus. Your ovaries will still produce the same hormones in the same amounts, nothing will change there.

Did the people at LaLeache say what the conflicting info is?

**Mom23boys** · 02-08-2005, 07:57 PM

Missy, I had a tubal right after giving birth to Dakota....actually the same day. I also breastfeed him and I had no problems at all with nursing, producing milk, etc.

I nursed all three of my children and didn't notice any difference with the last one from the other two times.

I would like to know what the conflicting info would be.

**Missy** · 02-08-2005, 08:08 PM

after last night I am having a real hard time keeping my thoughts straight, but the LaLeache lady said something about anestesia and it slowing the establishment of B/F. But if i am having a c/s anyway wouldn't it be the same difference?

I am tossed up between WANTING a tubal, and feel presured to have one by this doc. He brought it up last time, and this time he wanted me to sign the papers. (that he'd already signed his half of.)

But I am sure we are done having kids....but i'd like to have the security of knowing that we CAN if we wanted to...

Man, I am a mess about this. MAybe its just the pressure, maybe it is just hormonal, i don't know. I just feel very confused.

**frugalmel** · 02-08-2005, 08:23 PM

As far as I know the anesthesia shouldn't be in your body long enough to mess up your bf. I will see what info I can find out on my end ok? The more you know.....

**guest2** · 02-08-2005, 08:32 PM

Missy

**Mom23boys** · 02-08-2005, 08:33 PM

Missy, make sure this is what you want before you sign the papers. If you are having doubts, I wouldn't go through with it. You may end up regretting it later.

I am going to be honest here. When I was pregnant with Dakota, I decided this is what I wanted to do. I thought 3 boys would be plenty for me, which they are. They keep me very busy. After bringing him home from the hospital all I did was cry every time I saw him. I was in such a state of depression and it was because I knew I would never be able to give birth to another beautiful child again. I didn't think I would ever get over it. It took some time, but I did. I now do not regret this decision, but at the time I did.

The reason I am saying all this is just to let you know that you may go through the same thing or maybe not. Please make sure this is something you really want. Do not let anyone force you into the tubal unless YOU want it. I know it was the right thing for me and my family and I am glad I made it.

**AmyMCGS** · 02-08-2005, 09:26 PM

Missy, the ladies are right.... please don't do this just because your doc wants you to. If it's something you've been wanting to do, that's one thing, but if the doc is talking you into it, that's quite another.

I can't answer your question, just wanted to send some

.

**forestdale** · 02-08-2005, 09:32 PM

missy, if it's the anaesthetic that's the concern, it might make a difference if you were having a general anaesthetic, but not if you were having an epidural.

They might be concerned if you had a general because it would still be in your system when you first started breastfeeding. If you waited a couple of days you'd be fine. You would also be fine to breastfeed straight away if you had an epidural.

Now, the subject of the tubal ligation. It would be easy to have it while you were already on the table for your c-section BUT <-- this is a big but ( | ) lol, I urge you NOT to have it if you feel the slightest amount of pressure. It's unethical to pressure any person into having any medical procedure and the doctor should know better.

If you don't have it now, a tubal ligation should just be a small procedure that is done on a one day visit to hospital. You could have it done later when you mind is clearer.

**Mom23boys** · 02-09-2005, 03:18 PM

Wanted to add:

I had a natural birth, no C-section. I was wisked away to the operating room after giving birth and woke up later in the recovery room. So I was put under while having this surgery. I still was able to breastfeed normally as I did with the other 2 children.

**DaisyLady** · 02-09-2005, 06:45 PM

Missy, even if you have a general anesthetic, you can still breastfeed. If you are at all concerned about the baby getting the effects from it, you can let the baby bottle feed for 24-48 hours and hand or pump express your milk. Your milk should be clear by then. The baby may miss out on the first colostrum, and while that is very important so is your peace of mind.

Tubal ligations are easily done laparascopically these days so there is no need to have one done at the same time as the c section if you don't want to. I'm with the other ladies don't be pressured into something unless you are sure about it.

I breast fed a baby after a c section and while on pain medication. She's 15, beautiful and terribly smart!

**mommy2many** · 02-10-2005, 09:05 AM

After reading your post I think maybe you need to have a talk with your DH about the whole idea. Seems to me like you are not sure you really want this done. If you even think someday in the future you may want another child there are other forms of birth control that work, I wouldn't do anything so drastic if you aren't really sure that is what you want.

I might be missing some information on you since I am new here and all but I don't understand why your doctor is pressuring you to get this done in the first place? Please don't let someone pressure you into anything.

Sending hugs and prayers your way!