X Ray question

[xrayquestion]

I'm sure this is a ridiculously paranoid question but please humour me!

My baby had an x ray earlier. Due to DC age, they did a "single shot" (I think that's what they said). I stood holding DC in place and was given one of those heavy aprons. The assistants stayed in the room.

Afterwards they asked me to stay in the room for a few mins while I assume they checked the image. It was fine so I took the apron off and off we went

First of all I assume it's ok to continue breastfeeding? And second simply being in the room afterwards is ok assuming the x ray machine isn't active, right? I'm worried as we were in there a few mins but that's daft because assistants must be in and out of the room all the time

You'll be fine.

I've had about 20 X-rays in the past year and you were wearing a lead apron so weren't actually subject to the radiation.

I hope your dc is ok btw x

Thanks! More DC I was worried about than me but I've just actually googled it (after impulsively posting on mumsnet) and all sounds normal

Sorry I assumed as you were asking about bf you were worried about your milk.

Dc will be absolutely fine. On top of my 20 this year I had about another 10 when i was 4yo.

Yup you’re fine. Machine only emits radiation when they are actually taking the x Ray. Baby will have received a low dose and your vital bits will have been protected by the apron. Zero problem breastfeeding - x rays at medically used intensities don’t make anything radioactive

Hope baby is ok.

I had a mammogram when DD was still breastfeeding (several different images done of each breast and no lead apron). I asked both consultants who saw me that day; one said breastfeeding straight away would be fine and the other told me to pump and discard the first lot of milk, then carry on as normal. I decided to err on the side of caution and follow the second doctor's advice.

Since you were wearing a lead apron, you would have had minimal exposure to the radiation, but perhaps you could also "pump and dump" the first lot of milk for peace of mind, and give your baby some formula (or previously frozen breast milk if you have any).

Absolutely no need to do anything differently with breastfeeding, your boobs were protected by the lead apron. There is no radiation when the machine is not active.

I work in theatres that use x-ray quite frequently and breastfed DS until very recently (23m)

Thank you all for your reassurance.

Another thing - should DC have had lead protection as well? They seemed to position us so that only the area needed was x rayed but no shield for baby

Asaik they wouldn't be able to X-ray if your baby wore protection.

Certainly I've never worn any. Just remembered I had another X-ray on Wednesday past that I'd forgotten about.

There's nothing to worry about op. Are you feeling anxious in general about the baby?
I was very anxious until mine was 6 weeks old then it passed thankfully.