The breastfeeding surgical patient.

In the United States, more than 10 million women are either pregnant or breastfeeding at any given time. Of the women currently pregnant, over 70% will initially choose to breastfeed. The needs of a breastfeeding surgical patient are unique and are best met by a supportive surgical team using evidenced-based practice. The outcomes of such care will have long-term effects on both the breastfeeding surgical patient and her infant. Evidenced-based practice resources for care of the breastfeeding surgical patient are scarce. This article applies available resources to the perioperative care of the breastfeeding surgical patient. (c) AORN, Inc, 2008.