Breastfeeding after weight loss surgery
It is still safe for you to breast feed after weight loss surgery, in fact
it is recommended. However, your nutrition during this time is still
very important, so you should continue with nutritional monitoring,
and continue to take your supplements. If you have low levels of
vitamins in your body, they can also be low in your breast milk,
affecting your infant’s growth and development.
You may experience a delay in milk coming in. It is important for
you to drink enough water so your milk does not dry up. You may
wish to talk to your midwife, or a lactation consultant who can
support you through breastfeeding and offer advice.
After baby is born
Most pregnant women have some
weight to lose after they have a baby.
Women who become pregnant after
weight loss surgery are no exception.
Working with a dietician and exercising
regularly will help shed post-delivery
weight and get you back to your pre-
pregnancy figure, but it takes time. It is
important you eat a healthy diet and adequate amounts of essential
vitamins and minerals, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Take-home points on pregnancy after weight
loss surgery
• Wait 18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant.
• Use contraception during this waiting period.
• Make sure your nutritional needs are being met.
• Get regular blood tests to look for nutritional deficiencies.
• See a Dietician to help regulate weight gain during pregnancy.
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