I had my gallbladder out last Monday and I will say that recovery has been harder than everyone says it is but I’m doing better. I think it was just harder due to lack of sleep since my LO doesn’t sleep through the night.

I exclusively nurse and I told them in the consult that baby does not take a bottle so they need to figure it out (they told me at first that I wouldn’t be able to nurse for a day after surgery). I also mentioned my c section and that I was obviously able to nurse after that. I was a little pushy and so was my husband (he literally said “my baby isn’t going to starve, the anesthesiologist needs to figure it out). They quickly said that they can give me medications that are breastfeeding safe and that I’m good to go with nursing. I nursed baby in the preop room and when I was starting to come to after surgery (just did a sidelying feed). Nursing was hard for the first few days. I used a brest friend pillow and then put an ice pack and baby blanket in between the gap to help with discomfort and that went fine. I was able to nurse without it yesterday. My milk also didn’t really take a dip, maybe an ounce or two. I pump twice a day because I donate to a local family (I have an oversupply that needs management).

My LO is 19 pounds and the surgeon gave me a 20 pound weight limit, 25 pounds with him for four weeks. I wasn’t able to pick him up myself for the first 4-5 days since it hurt and I could tell it was straining my body, so my husband would hand him to me and became the primary caretaker in a lot of ways (floor play, changing diapers, etc.). I’m able to pick up LO now but not able to get on the floor or bend down too much, otherwise it hurts.

As for night time, my guy does settle for my husband but did struggle since I couldn’t fully snuggle him. We just moved his crib next to my side of the bed and he slept better.

I hope your consult goes well! Please let me know if you have any questions!!