Surgery and Labor

[MatthewsMom]

Quick question: Has anyone ever had to juggle their heart child in surgery at the same time as having another baby? Matthew will probably have surgery next week, followed by 4-8 weeks in the hospital, and our baby is due July 28th (healthy, presumably). Just looking for tips on how best to spend my time in the month-ish post-partum. I have been planning on nursing, but I'm not sure how to work that... We do have plenty of help available, but I am not sure how best to use them. Of course, this will all depend on how things go for both kids. I am just looking for general juggling advice. :)
Thanks!
Ashley Steed
Mom to Matthew and Baby Girl
Carepage: MatthewSteed
Blog: samuelandashley.blogspot.com

[cmooredavis]

I wish I had some good advice for you, but I did want to say good luck with your upcoming events. Maybe the social workers or parent resource center at Primary's would have some helpful ideas?

Hoping for a smooth and quick recovery for both Matthew and you!

[Alli and Kyle Hicken]

Wow. I can't imagine that stress! That is one of my biggest fears since Grant is our first and only child. We want to add to our family, but the unknowns with his surgical future have me scared spitless to have another baby for the same reasons you are talking about!! I hope that someone here has had a similar experience to offer you some advice and calm my own fears!! Let's just hope that Matthew's surgery goes very smoothly so you can all be home together! Good luck!

Alli
mom to Grant

[MatthewsMom]

Good news - we won't be having to deal with exactly this situation after all. The cardiology team believes Matthew will be fine waiting another 6 weeks until surgery, which will allow us about a month together with he and the baby at home. I imagine this is still going to create a certain amount of difficulty, but I foresee things going a lot smoother without a BRAND new baby and a recovering mama to deal with at the same time as surgery. :)