Breastfeeding and gallbladder surgery

I am suppose to have my gall bladder out. I have a 3 month old baby. I am still breastfeeding. Will this effect my baby? Can I still breastfeed? How soon after the surgery?

Answer from the lactation consultant
Fluctuations in hormone levels postpartum make moms at higher risk for gallstones. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have cholecystitis or gallbladder issues after having a baby. Breastfeeding should not be interupted at all for this procedure. UNLESS you have radioactive contrast during the surgery. Most surgeons do not require this to be done but it is worth asking. If you do have contrast, you must pump and dump your breastmilk for 72 hours before returning to nursing. Most anesthesia drugs clear from your system in 2 hours and most antibiotics and pain medications are safe while nursing. In my hospital, it is rare for a gallbladder surgery mom to have any interuption in feeding at all. If you have a lactation consultant at the hospital were you are having the procedure, call her and fill her in, then she can advocate for you. She can look up meds to see if they are safe and can walk you through the entire process should you need to pump then get baby back on the breast. With a baby so young, I would aim for no interuption in feedings if possible.
ON the flip side, have you tried alternative measures to calm your gallbladder? Like diet changes and taking psyllium. I have seen several moms who were able to avoid surgery by making some dietary changes. Consider talking to a nutritionist and/or an herbalist if you want.
I have had two serious gall bladder attacks in my life, the first is where I learned about the diet/psyllium. And the second occured after the birth of my second daughter. Both times I was able to calm the attacks and never required surgery. Just some thoughts....
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC