Is epidural steroid injection safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Epidural Steroid Injections While Breastfeeding
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to manage pain, particularly in cases of herniated discs or spinal stenosis. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns often arise regarding the safety of such procedures and their potential effects on breast milk and the nursing infant.
Corticosteroids and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that corticosteroids, the primary medication used in epidural injections, are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Corticosteroids can pass into breast milk, but the concentrations are typically low. For instance, cortisone, a common corticosteroid, is a natural component of breast milk and may even play a role in the development of the infant’s intestinal microbiome and overall growth.
The Breastfeeding Network emphasizes that while corticosteroids can be present in breast milk, the amounts are usually not significant enough to pose a risk to the breastfeeding infant. This is supported by various medical sources, which suggest that the benefits of pain relief for the mother often outweigh the potential risks associated with the medication.
Clinical Insights and Recommendations
Healthcare professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers discuss their specific situations with their doctors before undergoing an epidural steroid injection. Factors such as the mother’s health condition, the type of steroid used, and the timing of the injection in relation to breastfeeding can influence the decision. For example, some practitioners suggest waiting a few hours after the injection before breastfeeding to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
Moreover, anecdotal evidence from mothers who have received epidural injections while breastfeeding indicates that many have done so without adverse effects on their infants. This suggests a level of reassurance for mothers who may be concerned about the implications of such treatments.
Conclusion
In summary, epidural steroid injections are generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. The corticosteroids used in these injections are present in low concentrations in breast milk and are unlikely to harm the nursing infant. However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their individual health needs and circumstances. This collaborative approach ensures that both the mother’s pain management and the infant’s safety are prioritized.

Can you breastfeed after numbing injection?

Breastfeeding can continue as normal following a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetics work to produce a reversible loss of sensation by preventing the conduction of nerve impulses near to the site of injection or application.

Is epidural safe for baby and mother?

Epidurals are safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are small risks of side effects and complications. Serious risks—including blood clots inside the spine, infection (around the spine or brain), and nerve damage—are very rare. Other possible complications include low blood pressure, itchy skin, and headaches.

Can you have the injection while breastfeeding?

Benefits of using the injection
the injection is an option if you can’t use contraception containing oestrogen such as the combined pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring. you do not have to remember to take a pill every day. the injection is safe to use while you’re breastfeeding.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after a shot?

Breastfeeding mothers who have consumed alcohol can wait 2 hours (per drink) before breastfeeding. This time will allow alcohol levels in her breast milk to go down. If the mother cannot wait to feed her infant, she can feed milk that was previously expressed when the mother was not drinking.

Does epidural affect baby breastfeeding?

And La Leche League International, a nonprofit organization that promotes breastfeeding, warns that epidurals prevent newborns from suckling properly, which could impair nursing success. Counter all this with the reassuring words of obstetricians and anesthesiologists who tout epidurals as being completely safe.

Is it safe to get a steroid shot while breastfeeding?

You can have hydrocortisone injections if you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much hydrocortisone passes into breast milk, but because most of it stays in your joint, it’s likely to be a tiny amount. It’s unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Does the epidural affect the baby?

The amount of medication that reaches the baby from the epidural is very small, and there is no evidence that it causes any harm.

Can you breastfeed after an epidural steroid injection?

Methylprednisolone is probably suitable to use during breastfeeding as long as it is taken in low-moderate doses (do not exceed 80 mg daily). If high doses are needed pump and dump for 8-12 hours. A one time injection in your back will probably not effect your milk supply, but cannot say for sure everyone is different.

Does epidural go into baby’s bloodstream?

And because most of the medicine stays in the epidural space, very little enters the mother’s (and baby’s) bloodstream. This is why epidurals are usually very safe for both mother and baby.

Do steroids pass through breast milk?

Prednisolone and breastfeeding
Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies. If you’re taking a dose of more than 40mg of prednisolone each day for a long time, your baby may need extra monitoring.