Breastfeeding & CT Scan & Colonoscopy, please help!!

[Trustynickname]

Hello
Im really struggling right now,
my 14 month old is still breastfeeding ALOT - multiple times a day. I have some health concerns atm which have warranted an emergency ct scan, X-ray and colonoscopy. Ct scan is in 2 weeks and colonoscopy is in 3 weeks. I have been told by the specialist that I either stop breastfeeding completely or I will have to post pone these tests, which I really need as I think something sinister may be going on as I have had some horrible symptoms for over a year now.

I am absolutely devastated as I don’t feel like either of us are ready, I have tried to abstain as much as possible today but it just resulted in a lot of sobbing and upset from my little boy, who also has a horrible cold so he needs my comfort, also one of my boobs got terribly engorged. I have gave in twice and let him feed. I don’t know what to do, we’ve both spent the day crying! He won’t drink cows milk whatsoever, nor oat milk - not even hot chocolate! and won’t even let me approach him with a bottle! I’ve tried so many times, he refuses every time. I’m so worried as I don’t know how to stop breastfeeding at all. Please advise me. Thank you

Could you not pump and build a stash in the fridge/freezer and thaw and use these until its safe to feed again? Hope your health is ok and you get through this tough stage. Well done for feeding for so long!

Check with Wendy at the Breastfeeding network. There are contrast agents etc that are available, they just haven't bothered to look them up nor have they read up on what's possible, nor are they very educated on BF.
But as he's over 12 mo, you don't have to give him any alternatives. You will need to keep removing enough milk from breasts for comfort/ prevent mastitis if you do stop, but it is absolutely not necessary just so you can have these tests

Also forgot to add, when I asked why I need to stop she said because the preparation for both CT scan and colonoscopy are unsuitable for breastfeeding. I’m guessing meaning the diet preparation and strong laxatives.

@Insheerpanic i have tried pumping today, can’t even get an ounce. Also, he won’t take a bottle whatsoever. :(

Will he take a cup? He's old enough for a doidy etc

I don't know about a CT scan but you can absolutely breastfeed and have a colonoscopy - I did when my baby was about 7 months. The preparation, painkillers and sedation during the procedure if you decide to have it are all safe for breastfeeding. Like previous posters I really recommend contacting the Breastfeeding Network who are the experts on this and really reassuring!

@Harrysmummy246 no , he will occasionally sip from his beaker or a cup but won’t drink breast milk from one for some reason, I’ve tried many times

I think that of course it’s a lot more of a comfort thing, he won’t leave me alone sobbing pulling at my top and it’s really heart breaking.

Advice from the Breastfeeding network here says no need to stop bfing. They also have the data for CT scans saying even with contrast media there is no need to stop

I will definitely be contacting the breastfeeding network thank you for that. It’s a lot of pressure to have to stop all of a sudden, with Xmas & also him not being well. :(

Said specialist says she’s spoken with consultant and other medical staff who say I am not able to breastfeed with the preparation. I was taken back, but I’m guessing it’s because the laxatives are strong? But, I have read online that it’s ok to take them BF. I don’t want to go against the medical advice I’m given, but I’m really stressed with this all and it’s just a lot of pressure, I’m already very tired and worried about what’s potentially going on with my body also.

I would ask again. Ask for the names of the medications that will be used. You can check certain things online or with a good pharmacist. Is there an option to discuss this with your own/hospital pharmacist.
Does she think that you are breastfeeding too long?

With pumping, you need the right flange size. Otherwise you won't get a good yield.

Wishing you all the best.

@StarsandStones, I can ask, but it’s ultimately the consultant that’s dealing with my case that says I can not breastfeed with these procedures, the specialist says. So, I’m guessing he knows? I’m not sure. I’m waiting on the laxatives to come through the post, so will check then. Also with the sedation for colonoscopy, I will find out shortly as they are sending letter with details of procedure. I’m not sure why I can’t breastfeed with the ct scan, I wish I had asked more questions tbh, I didn’t even get the specialists name, stupidly! I was really rushed off my feet at the time of the phone call and was shocked and saddened to hear her say that.

Ultimately it will be 48 hours or so for each test. You can give him cows milk in a cup, I added a tiny amount of nesquik powder to get mine to drink it at first then weaned them off the nesquik. You should pump during those times you cannot breast feed for your relief - your supply won't dry up quickly at this stage but you will be uncomfortable with expressing and dumping the milk.

It's tricky but your health comes first

You can definitely breast feed and have a colonoscopy.
they told me I couldn’t keep breastfeeding and like you I had one that wouldn’t take any other milk.
I had to be determined and show them the data on the appropriate website and then they had to consult the hospital pharmacist.
One the day it was all fine I had loads of drugs and then fed when I got back home.
Im now on permanent medication which is fine when breast feeding

@Orangesare i feel like calling and questioning it, but the lady was awfully snotty to me on the phone on the day and I really don’t want another experience with her tbh. She literally said, you can’t breastfeed with the preparation for colonoscopy, and also with the preparations for the CT scan, so I have two options, stop breastfeeding or postpone the procedures. She did spent time asking about it though, which I do appreciate, I just feel like there was no explanation or info, but I know the nhs are run of the feet atm so it isn’t her fault. This is so difficult! Didn’t expect to have to stop so suddenly. I have contacted the breastfeeding network, just awaiting the reply and hopefully I’ll have a bit more of an insight. Thank you for your replies

I would 100% follow Breastfeeding Network advice on this. They are the experts. There was a poster recently who was undergoing same procedure and had been given same advice but contacted BFN and continued feeding.

If the laxative is moviprep, it isn't even absorbed from the gut. However, you might get v dehydrated when you do the prep and this might affect BFing. Could this be what they meant?

The breast feeding network has said I can still breastfeed! But now I’m utterly confused and worried about ignoring my consultant, as the specialist said I can either stop breastfeeding or postpone the procedures, of course I don’t want the later as I’m totally worried about my health, yet I really would like to continue bf. can I trust the breastfeeding networks advice on this ? X

Yes, they are the experts on medication and breastfeeding. I would trust them over the hospital staff who tend to just give out generic advice.

I would phone the CT appts line and ask if you can speak to one of the Radiographers. There will be/have been breastfeeding CT radiographers who feel passionately about accommodating breastfeeding mothers during CT procedures. I'm sure the same will be for the colonoscopy team too. It's not a good idea to go against the cons advice, I agree. Good luck with everything.

Get a second opinion. The constant sounds like a brat.

Consultant!

I would absolutely trust the wonderful pharmacists at the Breastfeeding network. My experience of hospital doctors is that they are often woefully misinformed in matters of breastfeeding, and often lack the incentive to ‘deep dive’ into the research into the safety of certain drugs when breastfeeding. It actually makes me really cross!

Thanks so much