Baby has trouble nursing after open heart surgery

QUESTION: My son Matthew had heart surgery on his second day of life. He spent 10 days in the NICU. During this time I pumped. He didn't get breastmilk until his 6th day of life. He had to be given IV fluids until then. Once he began eating they had to give the breastmilk to him in a bottle so they could tell how much he was given. On day 8 in the evening I was able to let him nurse. He had trouble latching on and the nurses told me that was normal and that I would have to work with him. He was able to come home, but only for 5 days since he developed an infection to an IV site. He was placed in the hospital again for 5 more days, and again given a bottle to know how much he was eating. It was breast milk. He did however get one formula bottle each day for I would run out before I got there with more supply.

Now that he is home again I'm having trouble getting him to latch on. Once he latches on he is fine, but it is harder at night. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?   I get easily frustrated during this time and trying to hang on and not give up. It is very important to me that he breastfeed since he had heart surgery. I did breastfeed my other 3 children and had no trouble. This is my only child that had to have surgery and have some trouble nursing. I'm doing my best to continue to eat well to keep my supply up. At times I feel like my supply is down. Could this be caused from stress??   Please Help.

Thanks,

Chrissy

Dear Chrissy,

Wow, if you haven't been under stress, I don't know who has! It has been tough for you, but you are to be commended for your perserverance.

Yes, eating well is important, as is keeping up fluids. There is more. Let's get back to basics. You are a new mom (again) with a new baby just home from the hospital. You need rest, food, fluids and HELP! Accept all offers of help, whether picking up other children, or dropping off a dinner for your family. Rest when baby naps. Housework will wait for you. Can your other children help fold clothes and load the dishwasher?

Nighttime is the time when the frustrations of the day seem worse. Can you nurse in a comfortable place where you are both safe if you fall asleep? (bed, sofa, futon on the floor?) Latching on will get easier as each day goes by and baby gets stronger.

Do you have breastfeeding support in your town? Have you been in touch with a local La Leche League Leader? These women will be able to encourage you in person. You can feel proud of yourself that you were able to hang in there through your baby's entire ordeal. Your breastfeeding relationship with your new baby will improve from here.

Good luck to you,

Margie Forrest, RN, BSN, IBCLC

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