Breastfeeding After a Hysterectomy? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles
Breastfeeding After a Hysterectomy?

Breastfeeding After a Hysterectomy?

From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I recently delivered a baby. My doctor told me I will need a hysterectomy/BSO. Will I still be able to breastfeed after my hysterectomy? How will hormones affect this? Will not having a uterus and ovaries make me unable to produce breast milk?

It's possible to breastfeed after a hysterectomy. You don't need a uterus or ovaries in order to be able to nurse your baby. Breastfeeding is regulated by hormones secreted by the hypothalmus and the pituitary glands. Your milk production is not affected by removing your ovaries and/or the uterus.

Estrogens may decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk; therefore, if you will be treating your menopausal symptoms with HRT, you may want to ask your doctor if you can do this while nursing or if you should wait until you wean your baby before starting HRT.

You'll want to ask your doctor how soon after surgery you may begin nursing your baby. You may also want to pump and store some of your own milk for the day of your surgery.

When you begin nursing, you'll want to protect your tender tummy. You may prefer the side lying position during the first day or so after surgery. Turn slowly on your side and, if you have an incision, put a rolled up towel or small pillow next to it in case the baby kicks. It may be challenging to find a comfortable position in the early days after surgery. How to hold your baby will differ depending on what type of surgery you will have.

Good luck with your surgery and with continuing to breastfeed. Remember to always check with your doctor if you have any questions about your post op recovery and how it will affect breastfeeding your baby.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

Printer Friendly Version

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Bored! Do's and Don'ts During Hysterectomy Recovery

Childcare After Surgery

Find A Doctor Near You

Arnold Advincula, M.D. Florida Hospital Celebration Health 400 Celebration Place Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665
Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145
Stephen Zweibach, M.D. 815 S Parsons Ave Brandon FL 33511 8135712777	Geoffrey Bowers, M.D. 834 Chestnut Street Suite 300 Philadelphia PA 19107 215-955-5000	Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: