Why do they require no food or drink before surgery, even for babies?

Question

My 6 week old baby is going in for hernia surgery next week. The hospital requires no food or drink for a certain period before surgery. How do you tell that to an infant?? I'm going to be a wreck before we even check in to the hospital!

Answer 1

The reason for this with anyone is that anesthesia can make you sick to your stomach. They don't want you vomiting and then aspirating it into your lungs. It will be hard to do this with your baby, but for his/her safety it's critical that she doesn't have anything on her little tummy when going into this surgery.

Answer 2

The anesthetic will make them vomit if they have food or water in their stomachs. which can be very harmful f done during surgery. Its gonna be hard but dont give him anything. They shouldve made the surgery first thing in the am. Thats what they did when my daughter needed surgery at 2 months old. We were the first surgery. Take Care and Good Luck!

You also dont want to feed the baby a whole bunch after the surgery or he will get an upset stomach they should go over that with you before discharge.

Some hints: If the baby uses a pacifer that helps also talk to yuor spouse or have a family member or friend stay the night with you so you can alternate being with baby when he wakes up or gets upset. You're gonna need the support.

Answer 3

My son has had 2 heart surgerys and 1 heart catherization by the time he was 3 months.They most likely told you no breast milk 3 hours prior and no formula 4 hours prior.The best way to do this is try to time your feeds the night before you go in so he is fed at the latest time possible.You may also ask about sugar water,they will sometimes allow that up to 2 hours prior,this will keep him some what happy for the time,this is of course if he is on a bottle,also soother,if he takes one use it.I really feel for you,it is very stressful,but you and your babe will be just fine.I hope this helps.Good luck.

Answer 4

Your baby will end up getting sick during surgery if He/She is fed that or He/She may end up having a bowl movement because the medicine they give the baby to put em' under will make them sick it makes your body just get rid of anything that's in there so try to soothe him/her without a feeding I know it may be hard to see your baby like that and it may seem like your starving them but you aren't your doing whats best for them and thats being a good mommy and gettin him/her their surgery the person who commented about a few ounces they may allow that but I wouldnt reccommend it just try to soothe your baby and give him/her lots of love. Hope this helps

Answer 5

Anesthesia can cause people to vomit and they don't want that to happen as the person can breathe it in and die. It is not to be mean and starve you even though it may feel that way. I am sorry that you are having to deal with all this stress. I am sending good vibes your way!

Answer 6

It's erquired for lots of reasons, like so that the anesthesia they give you affects you appropriately, and so you don't "go" in the middle of the surgery. just trust the doctors! Everyone has to do this!

Answer 7

It will cause you to get sick after you wake up from surgery if you eat or drink anything.

Answer 8

I believe because when you are that sedated you may not be in control of your body functions and the doctors would rather do your surgery with out you messing yourself and contaminating the procedure.

Answer 9

because the anesthesia is nasty stuff. it will evacuate your system basically right away. at either end. you would end up vomitting or defecating in what is supposed to be a sterile OR and really throw some wrenches in the works.

Answer 10

Unfortunately, you'll have to find another way to comfort your baby. Make sure that you have the facts right before depriving your baby food. Sometimes, they allow a few ounces.