Sedation or GA and breastfeeding

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It's looking increasingly likely that I'm going to need a procedure in the next couple of months. It'll need to be done under either sedation or general anaesthetic.

Is either of these better when bf? Are they both likely to affect my milk and if so, how and for how long?

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk-information-and-factsheets

GA should be no problem at all.

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk-information-and-factsheets

Clicky link.

That's fantastic - thank-you!

Do you know about sedation at all? I'm going to need to be able to care for my baby ASAP afterwards as I'm a single parent. So trying to balance the impact on breastfeeding with working out childcare.

0844 412 4665

This is the breastfeeding network 'drugs in breastmilk' information number, they gave me advice when I was prescribed medication from the doctor. They will be able to give you the info regarding sedation.

Many of the drugs used for sedation are commonly used as part of a general anaesthetic so the same applies really. The anaesthetist looking after you should use the drugs most appropriate for breastfeeding mothers in either case.

Have you ever had a GA before? If so have you ever had sickness afterwards? Do you get travel sick?

Thank-you all

I've had GA a few times before but last time was almost 20 years ago. Don't remember being sick afterwards and don't get travel sick.

Great. The reason I ask is that GAs can sometimes cause sickness afterwards and you're a bit more limited as to drugs to treat this when breastfeeding. (You're more likely to be affected if you have a previous history and/or get travel sick).

I did wonder why you'd asked!

So it looks like either option isn't a problem bf-wise which is good. I can concentrate on the practicalities now. Once I know exactly what's going on I'll give the bfn a call as well just to double check whatever the drs tell me (I know they're not always up to date with meds and bf).