Does X-ray affect breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of X-rays on Breast Milk
The safety of X-ray imaging for breastfeeding mothers has been a topic of concern for many. However, current medical understanding indicates that X-rays do not adversely affect breast milk or its quality. This reassurance is crucial for nursing mothers who may require diagnostic imaging for various health reasons.
How X-rays Work
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with a shorter wavelength. They are used in medical imaging to create pictures of the inside of the body, such as bones and organs. Importantly, the radiation from X-rays is present only during the imaging process and does not leave any residual radiation or radioactivity in the body or in breast milk.
Safety for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to multiple sources, including the Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation Education, plain X-rays, such as chest X-rays, do not affect the quality of breast milk. There are no restrictions on the number of plain X-rays a breastfeeding woman can receive. This is supported by findings that indicate X-rays have no known effects on milk production or composition at the time of imaging.
Moreover, even when contrast agents are used during X-ray procedures, such as iodinated contrast or gadolinium, the amount that enters breast milk is minimal—approximately 0.04% of the intravenous dose. This small percentage is unlikely to pose any risk to the breastfeeding infant, as it is not absorbed significantly by the baby’s gut.
Conclusion
In summary, X-ray imaging is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The procedure does not compromise the quality of breast milk, allowing mothers to continue nursing without concern immediately after the imaging. This understanding alleviates fears and supports the health needs of mothers who may require diagnostic imaging during their breastfeeding journey.

Can you breastfeed after radiation treatment?

Breastfeeding from a breast that has been exposed to radiotherapy can cause an infection (mastitis), which can be difficult to treat. Breastfeeding from the other, non-treated breast may be possible if you are not having any drug treatments.

Why can’t you have a mammogram while breastfeeding?

For women who are pregnant or lactating, hormones can change breast density and size, which could limit the clinical examination, mimic pathology and obscure mammographic findings.

Is it OK to get an MRI while breastfeeding?

Because of the very small percentage of gadolinium-based contrast medium that is excreted into the breast milk and absorbed by the infant’s gut, we believe that the available data suggest that it is safe for the mother and infant to continue breast-feeding after receiving such an agent [Kubik-Huch].

Does radiation pass through breast milk?

Radioactive material can be passed to babies: Through breast milk of mothers with internal contamination. Through contaminated water mixed with infant formula. While being held and fed if their caregiver has radioactive material on their skin or clothing (external contamination)

Is it safe for breast milk to go through X-ray?

Common x-rays and scans
Usually, you won’t need to avoid breastfeeding on the day you have an X-ray, MRI, CT, Angiogram, Ultrasound or Mammogram. These examinations do not affect breastfeeding. Sometimes a radiological contrast dye is used to help the imaging but you can keep breastfeeding with this too.

Is it safe to breastfeed after a CT scan?

For this reason, experts agree that it’s safe to continue to breastfeed. There is no need to remove any of your breast milk with a pump after a CT scan.

How long after an X-ray can I breastfeed?

Diagnostic X-rays have no known effect on the milk in the breast at the time of imaging, nor on milk production. No special precautions are required (LactMed). In some situations a contrast agent may be used in addition to the X-ray. This can help show soft tissues more clearly on the X-ray.

Can you get X-rays at the dentist while breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, it’s safe to have X-rays of your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding). In fact, both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association have stated that dental X-rays pose little to no risk to a fetus.

Is it safe to have an X-ray when trying to conceive?

Radiation doses from routine medical x rays are too small to affect sterility or have an effect on a future pregnancy. Therefore, you do not need to wait after diagnostic x-ray exams before trying to become pregnant.

How long do you have to wait after an X-ray?

You can return to your normal activities straight away. You may have some temporary side effects from the contrast agent if one was used during your X-ray.