Feeding

Feeding the Baby after Surgery

You will likely be allowed to feed your baby as soon as the general anesthetic wears off, usually within 12 hours of the surgery. If you nurse your baby, you can resume nursing, and if the baby is bottle-fed, the first couple of feedings may have to be water or sugar-water only. It is not unusual for the baby to regurgitate the first or first couple of feedings.

The IV will likely remain in place at least until proper feeding is established. If this is the case, you don't have to worry about your baby taking in adequate amounts of nourishment. The baby may be too tired to feed for long periods of time, and will not be feeling too hungry if he is receiving fluid intra-venously.

Most hospitals will ensure that healthy feeding is re-established before discharging the babies. If yours does not, ensure that arrangements are made to be able to contact a pediatrician once you are home. You will want to have someone to contact 24 hours per day.

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