Becoming a parent with an ostomy is an exciting journey, but it can also bring about several new worries. The thought of navigating parenthood, especially with a newborn, while maintaining good stoma care can seem overwhelming. But you'll learn how to balance both and come to realize that parenting with a stoma is much better than parenting while trying to manage a chronic condition with painful flare-ups. To help, we've put together a guide on balancing caregiving responsibilities and caring for your stoma.
Understanding Different Ostomy Surgeries
There are three different types of ostomy surgeries that someone may need: an ileostomy, a colostomy, and a urostomy.
- An ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which the end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall to create a stoma. It is usually performed when the colon or rectum is not functioning properly due to disease or injury.
- A colostomy involves bringing a part of the large intestine (colon) through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. This is often necessary for conditions affecting the lower bowel, such as cancer, diverticulitis, or injury.
- A urostomy is a type of surgery that creates a stoma for urine to be diverted from the body. This is typically done when the bladder is removed or bypassed due to cancer, injury, or other diseases.
Having an inflammatory bowel disease doesn't typically affect your fertility. Your ability to conceive is similar to that of the general population, which is between 5% and 14%. However, certain psychological conditions make it difficult for conception, and repeated surgeries may impact the body’s ability to become pregnant as an ostomate. The best thing to do is talk to your gastroenterologist, urologist, and OB/GYN to assess your unique circumstances.
What to Expect: Pregnancy and Stoma Care
Pregnancy with a stoma requires a few extra precautions, but you should be able to stay on top of them by attending regular prenatal appointments and prioritizing self-care. Some of the most important tips for navigating pregnancy with an ostomy include:
- Stay vigilant about morning sickness, as it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are particularly dangerous for ostomates.
- Consider supplements or intravenous medications if needed to stay hydrated.
- Be prepared that the ultrasound gel or oil may affect the adhesion of your ostomy bag.
- Bring extra supplies to change your ostomy bag after each ultrasound.
- Expect your stoma to enlarge as your uterus grows; this is normal.
- A slight bowel prolapse into the pouch is common, but consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
- Change your ostomy pouch using a mirror for better visibility as your belly grows.
- Set boundaries with friends and family if touching your tummy with your stoma makes you uncomfortable.
- Maintain good peristomal skin care and pack plenty of ostomy supplies in your hospital bag before delivery.
Key Information About Childbirth with a Stoma
Many ostomates have some initial concerns about giving birth with a stoma but don't worry. You can have normal labor and delivery as long as your reproductive organs aren't damaged by the ostomy surgery. However, if they were, you would know about it early in pregnancy and work with your doctor to determine the best course of action. Some of the most important things to be aware of include the following.
Pouching Expectations
When packing your hospital bag, remember to put extra supplies in so you can change your pouch before and after giving birth. The hospital might also have supplies, but some ostomates prefer using their own since they have specific bags, adhesives, and other ostomy products they're comfortable with. Due to the exertion of labor, you'll likely need to change your pouch immediately afterward.
Vaginal vs. Cesarean Delivery
Having a vaginal delivery is actually the preferred method of delivery for women with ostomies. Doing so can eliminate more adhesions or scar tissues in the abdominal wall caused by a Cesarean section. However, it's important to speak with your doctor leading up to your delivery date, as Cesareans may be required if you have any nerve damage from a previous surgery.
Breastfeeding and Stoma Care
After delivering your newborn and changing your ostomy pouch, it's recommended that you engage in skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Just make sure that your pouch is secure and your nurse helps you find a comfortable position. If you're having trouble breastfeeding, ask your doctor for recommendations for a lactation consultant.
Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Hereditary?
Some parents may be nervous that inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are hereditary. However, although these conditions have a genetic link, it doesn't necessarily mean your child will develop either. Try not to worry about these types of chronic illnesses too much right now. Genetic testing and counseling can be done once your baby is a little older.
Tips for Navigating Parenthood with a Stoma
Taking care of a newborn while managing your stoma can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can navigate parenthood smoothly. Make sure you continue regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your stoma's condition and promptly address any concerns.
Stay Hydrated, No Matter What
Maintaining hydration is crucial for good stoma care, especially postpartum. Your body requires plenty of fluids for recovery and to produce milk if breastfeeding. Keep a water bottle handy and take small sips regularly throughout the day to prevent dehydration. If you're having trouble, try marking a water bottle with intervals to finish throughout the day. You can also use a water-tracking app or spruce things up by adding fresh fruits and herbs.
Understand Possible Complications
You'll also want to fully understand all of the possible stoma complications that can happen and when to see a doctor. This will allow you to stay on top of your health and seek treatment as soon as possible if necessary. Some of the most common stoma complications include:
- Skin irritation
- Stoma blockage
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Stoma retraction
- Prolapsed stoma
- Parastomal hernia
- Bleeding
- Parastomal abscess
- Stoma necrosis
- Pouch leakage
- Gas or odor
- Granulomas
- Anxiety or depression
If you experience any type of complication, physical or mental, it's important to talk to your doctor or ostomy nurse.
Join an Ostomy Support Group
Everyone's experience is unique, but finding support can help you better understand how to embrace the highs and get past the lows. One of the best ways to do that is to join an ostomy support group. To find a meeting, look at the list of support groups affiliated with The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). UOAA is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. You may even be able to find a unique group for navigating parenthood with a stoma.
Be Careful About High-Intensity Activities
Staying active and exercising after ostomy surgery is important, but you may need to take it easy with some activities in motherhood. Wrestling or fumbling around with your children may cause your pouch to open or come off, but it's still rare. Typically, after you've fully recovered, you'll be able to enjoy all the activities that non-ostomates do. You might just have to be a bit more cautious or wear an ostomy support belt to help avoid any leaks.
Tell Your Children When They're Old Enough
Once your children are old enough, you'll probably want to tell them about your stoma. This will help them better understand your condition, which can create a stronger support system at home. Determine when you want to tell your kids and ask your doctor or support group for advice on using language they'll understand.
Chances are, living with an illness and stoma can help bring your family together. Your quality of life will improve, as you won't have to cope with the negative aspects associated with flare-ups, and you'll have much more energy for the ups and downs of parenting. If you're not sure how or when to talk to your children, ask your healthcare professional or bring it up in your ostomy support group. Plenty of resources are available to help you navigate all aspects of life with an ostomy.
For additional support and high-quality ostomy supplies, you can rely on Byram Healthcare. Byram Healthcare is committed to doing our part to improve the lives of those living with ostomies through convenient product delivery and a diverse product catalog.
