Does local anesthetic go into breast milk?

Understanding Local Anesthetic and Breast Milk Transfer
The question of whether local anesthetics transfer into breast milk is a significant concern for breastfeeding mothers undergoing medical procedures. Recent insights suggest that the traditional advice of “pumping and dumping” breast milk after receiving anesthesia may be outdated and overly cautious.
Local Anesthetics and Their Impact
Local anesthetics, commonly used in dental procedures and minor surgeries, are designed to numb a specific area of the body without affecting the entire system. According to recent reviews, the concentration of local anesthetics in breast milk is generally low, and they are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, the Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation Education states that topical and local anesthesia during lactation does not typically require mothers to discard their milk.
The “Pump and Dump” Myth
Historically, healthcare providers advised mothers to “pump and dump” their breast milk for a period after receiving anesthesia, often suggesting a 24-hour wait. However, this practice is increasingly viewed as unnecessary. Research indicates that the amount of anesthetic that might enter breast milk is minimal and unlikely to affect a breastfeeding infant.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding After Anesthesia
Current guidelines suggest that breastfeeding can often resume immediately after the mother is alert and able to care for her baby. This is because anesthetic agents tend to move from the bloodstream into fat and muscle tissue, where they are gradually released, rather than remaining in the bloodstream or breast milk.
Moreover, the Breastfeeding Network emphasizes that the transfer of drugs into human milk depends on various factors, including the type of anesthetic used and the timing of breastfeeding relative to the procedure.
Conclusion
In summary, local anesthetics are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, and the need to discard breast milk after such procedures is largely a myth. Mothers are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers for personalized advice, but the prevailing view is that they can continue breastfeeding without significant concern for their infants’ safety. This shift in understanding reflects a broader trend towards more evidence-based practices in maternal and infant health.

Does local anesthesia affect baby?

Regular and emergency dental care, including the use of local anesthetics and radiographs, is safe at any stage during pregnancy.

Is local anesthesia safe during breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can continue as normal following a local anaesthetic.

How long after anesthesia can I discard breast milk?

Based on extensive research, the current recommendation is that a mother can continue to feed her infant breast milk immediately following her surgical procedure or when she feels well enough to nurse or express her milk.

Does anesthesia transfer to breastmilk?

All anesthetic and analgesic drugs can transfer into breastmilk; however, only small amounts are present in very low concentrations which are considered clinically insignificant.

Can I breastfeed after being numbed at the dentist?

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.

How long to pump and dump after numbing cream?

“The standard thinking has been ‘pump and dump’ – discarding the breast milk for 24 hours after anesthesia. As an outdated practice, it is not evidence-based and is potentially harmful for babies. The evidence shows that this breast milk is safe.”

Can you breastfeed after toradol injection?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Ketorolac injection is used for a short time (typically 24 hours) after cesarean section in some hospital protocols with no evidence of harm to breastfed infants. However, the ketorolac dose an infant receives in colostrum is very low because of the small volume of colostrum produced.

How long does anesthesia stay in your system for breastfeeding?

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.

Does lidocaine transfer to breastmilk?

Lidocaine 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.

Does dental numbing affect pregnancy?

Regular and emergency dental care, including the use of local anesthetics and radiographs, is safe at any stage during pregnancy.