Can I breastfeed after numbing cream?

Understanding Breastfeeding After Numbing Cream
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process, but it can sometimes require additional considerations, particularly when it comes to pain management. One common concern among nursing mothers is whether it’s safe to breastfeed after applying a numbing cream, such as those used for sore nipples or other discomforts.
What is Numbing Cream?
Numbing creams typically contain local anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine, which temporarily block nerve signals in the area where they are applied. These creams are often used to relieve pain from various conditions, including breastfeeding-related discomfort. However, the implications of using such creams while nursing are crucial to understand.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to breastfeeding after applying a numbing cream, several factors need to be considered:
1. Absorption and Transfer: Most topical anesthetics are minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore have a low risk of transferring to breast milk. However, the extent of absorption can vary based on the formulation and the area of application.
2. Manufacturer Guidelines: It’s essential to read the product label and follow any specific recommendations regarding breastfeeding. Many manufacturers provide guidelines on whether their product is safe for nursing mothers.
3. Timing Matters: If you choose to use a numbing cream, it may be wise to apply it and wait a certain period before breastfeeding. This waiting period allows the medication to be less active on the skin’s surface, reducing any potential transfer to the baby.
4. Consult Healthcare Providers: Before using any numbing cream, consulting with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant is advisable. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and the product in question.
Practical Tips for Nursing Mothers
– Patch Test: If it’s your first time using a particular numbing cream, consider doing a patch test to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
– Hygiene First: Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying any cream and before breastfeeding to minimize any residue transfer.
– Monitor Your Baby: After breastfeeding post-application, monitor your baby for any unusual reactions or behaviors, and report any concerns to your pediatrician.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding after applying a numbing cream can be safe, but it is essential to approach the situation with caution. Always prioritize safety by consulting healthcare professionals, adhering to product guidelines, and being mindful of timing. The goal is to ensure both the mother’s comfort and the baby’s safety, allowing for a positive breastfeeding experience.

Is topical anesthesia safe when breastfeeding?

Local anaesthetics for procedures, do not transfer into breastmilk, so breastfeeding is not affected. 2However caution is necessary when large amounts of local anaesthetic are used, such as during the plastic surgery procedure liposuction.

How long does anesthesia stay in breastmilk?

Anecdotally many mothers are advised to pump and dump their breastmilk for 24-48 hours after anaesthetic even for a short operation in order to clear the body of the drugs rather than simply to maintain supply.

Can I use numbing cream on my nipples?

Sore nipples (or nipple pain) is one of the problems some women face when breastfeeding babies. Using Xylocaine 5% Ointment between feeds can help numb and relieve the pain from sore nipples.

How long does lidocaine cream stay in system?

How long does lidocaine stay in your system? Lidocaine has a half-life of 1.5–2 hours and about 70–90% of it is metabolized in the liver. ⁸ ⁷ After a local injection, its effects should wear off in about three hours. Patches and other formulations for topical application allow lidocaine to be absorbed much more slowly.

How long do I have to wait to breastfeed after anesthesia?

You can breastfeed or pump after you have this type of anesthesia as soon as you are awake and alert. For a single dose of midazolam, no interruption of breastfeeding is required. If the baby is newborn or premature, and you need more than a single dose of midazolam, we may recommend a pause in breastfeeding.

How long does lidocaine stay in your breast milk?

Drug Levels
Milk lidocaine concentrations averaged 120.5 mcg/L at 3 hours after the dose and 58.3 mcg/L 6 hours after the dose. Milk MEGX levels were 97.5 and 52.7 mcg/L at 3 and 6 hours after the dose, respectively.

Can you breastfeed after dental numbing?

There is no evidence to interrupt breastfeeding after the use of local anaesthetics. Local anaesthetics work by deadening sensation of the nerve endings around the tooth. There is no evidence of passage into breastmilk and therefore no reason not to continue breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed after using numbing cream?

Lidocaine skin cream and breastfeeding
Lidocaine is OK to use while breastfeeding. It is only likely to pass into breast milk in tiny amounts, which are very unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Always wash your hands after using a lidocaine treatment and before picking up your baby.

Can you use topical cream while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers may need to apply a variety of cream and ointments to their skin whilst they are breastfeeding. There is very little absorption of these products into breastmilk and most products can be applied without interruption of breastfeeding.

Should I pump and dump after anesthesia?

Patients should resume breastfeeding as soon as desired after surgery11 because anesthetic drugs appear in such low levels in breastmilk. It is not recommended that patients “pump and dump” and rather they should “sleep and keep”13.