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Can breastfeeding moms go under anesthesia?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Go Under Anesthesia?
Breastfeeding mothers often face concerns about the safety of anesthesia and its potential effects on their ability to nurse. The good news is that most anesthetic medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to undergo necessary procedures without significant worry.
Understanding Anesthesia and Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother undergoes anesthesia, the type of anesthesia used—whether general or regional—plays a crucial role in determining the safety of breastfeeding afterward. General anesthesia typically involves a combination of medications that induce unconsciousness and block pain. Regional anesthesia, such as epidurals or spinal blocks, numbs specific areas of the body while allowing the patient to remain awake.
Experts generally agree that breastfeeding can resume as soon as the mother is awake and alert enough to safely hold her baby. This is because the concentration of anesthetic drugs in breast milk is usually very low shortly after the mother regains consciousness. In fact, many anesthetic agents are rapidly cleared from the bloodstream, meaning that by the time a mother is ready to nurse, the levels in her milk are negligible .
Outdated Practices and Current Recommendations
Historically, some healthcare providers advised mothers to “pump and dump” their breast milk for a period—often 24 hours—after receiving anesthesia. However, this practice is increasingly viewed as outdated. Recent reviews suggest that this precaution is overly cautious, as the transfer of medications into breast milk is minimal and not likely to harm the infant.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists and other health organizations now recommend that mothers can typically resume breastfeeding as soon as they feel well enough to do so. This approach emphasizes the importance of the mother’s recovery and comfort, rather than adhering to arbitrary waiting periods.
Considerations for Specific Medications
While most anesthetic medications are safe, some specific drugs may require additional consideration. For instance, neuromuscular blocking agents used during surgery do not pose a risk to breastfeeding infants, as they do not transfer into breast milk in significant amounts. Additionally, if a mother is prescribed pain medications post-surgery, healthcare providers can often recommend alternatives that are safe for breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely undergo anesthesia and resume nursing shortly after their procedure, provided they are alert and able to care for their baby. The key takeaway is that while some caution is warranted, the risks associated with anesthesia for breastfeeding mothers are minimal, and modern guidelines support a more relaxed approach to breastfeeding after surgery. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and to address any specific concerns regarding anesthesia and breastfeeding.

Is local anesthesia safe for breastfeeding?

It is entirely safe to breast feed after local anaesthetic. The amount of lidocaine that will be present in your breast milk is too small to be harmful to the baby. If you wish to breast feed from that breast you may decide to express and throw away the milk from that breast for up to 12 hours after the procedure.

When to stop breastfeeding before anesthesia?

If you are breastfeeding, you can breastfeed your baby until 4 hours before the scheduled time to come to the hospital.

Can you go under general anesthesia while pregnant?

Pregnant women in 3 main categories may require anesthesia:
The FDA safety announcement only applies when general anesthesia is used. In some instances (for example, emergency cesarean deliveries), general anesthesia may be the best choice for the safety of the mother or baby.

Can you get a cavity filled while breastfeeding?

Fillings. There is no reason to avoid inserting or replacing fillings during breastfeeding. One report suggests that it is prudent to avoid unnecessary removal of fillings during pregnancy or lactation (Barreguard 1995).

How long before surgery can you have breast milk?

You may offer your baby formula or breast milk until 4 hours before the scheduled time of the surgery or procedure. Encourage your baby to drink clear liquids — NOT milk or dairy products — until 2 hours before the time of the surgery or procedure.

What anesthesia drugs should be avoided while breastfeeding?

In summary, codeine and meperidine should be avoided in the lactating mother.

Is dental anesthesia safe while breastfeeding?

Many controlled studies examine the effects of local anesthesia on breastfeeding mothers, but the consensus is that moms can resume breastfeeding right after receiving local anesthesia.

When should you not go under anesthesia?

Your anesthesia risk might be higher if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions: Allergies to anesthesia or a history of adverse reactions to anesthesia. Diabetes. Heart disease (angina, valve disease, heart failure, or a previous heart attack)

Is local anesthesia OK when breastfeeding?

It is entirely safe to breast feed after local anaesthetic. The amount of lidocaine that will be present in your breast milk is too small to be harmful to the baby. If you wish to breast feed from that breast you may decide to express and throw away the milk from that breast for up to 12 hours after the procedure.

Can you go under anesthesia while breastfeeding?

Drugs used during anaesthesia and after surgery pass in low levels into milk and women can breastfeed as normal after: Anaesthetics: propofol, thiopental, etomidate, ketamine, sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, nitrous oxide and halothane. Sedatives: midazolam, single dose diazepam.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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