Experts See Nothing Wrong With Breastfeeding After Anesthesia

Moms can safely breastfeed their babies, even after receiving anesthesia, as soon as they are fully alert and capable of nursing the infant.

The U.K. Association of Anesthetists recently published a guideline saying it is perfectly safe for moms to nurse their babies even after receiving anesthesia, US News & World Report revealed. "The guidelines state there is no need to get rid of any breast milk due to fear of contamination since the evidence shows anesthetic and non-opioid painkiller drugs are transferred to breast milk in only small amounts," said Dr. Mike Kinsella of the organization's Safety Committee based at Bristol's St Michael's Hospital. He added that for nearly all of such drugs, there is no proof of effects on the breastfed baby.

The guidelines contained warnings, however, regarding drugs such as benzodiazepines and opioids. It advised medical personnel to use these types of drugs with caution, particularly when used on mothers of infants no less more than 6 weeks old. The authors stated that in such a situation, medical personnel should observe the baby for any signs of unusual drowsiness and respiratory depression, especially if the mother is also exhibiting signs of sedation.

Minimizing the use of opioids is better for nursing mothers who have surgery, the guidelines said. It also urged doctors to steer clear of codeine because of differences in the metabolism of infants. On the other hand, local or regional anesthetics are least likely to interfere with the breastfeeding process.

The guidelines also advised medical practitioners to ask mothers with kids who are two years and below if they are breastfeeding so doctors can inform them that it is safe to breastfeed after surgery. Whenever possible, surgery during the day should be preferred to prevent the disruption of regular routines, the authors of the newly-published guidelines stated in a journal news release. "A woman having day surgery should have a responsible adult stay with her for the first 24 hours. She should be cautious with co-sleeping, or sleeping while feeding the infant in a chair, as she may not be as responsive as normal," the authors added.

The guidelines' authors concluded that in all, the pharmacological characteristics of sedation and anesthesia requires only a few adjustments in breastfeeding mothers. They noted that supportive care for mothers in the peri-operative stage, as well as accurate advice from medical personnel, will ensure there will be minimal disruption to this essential part of childcare. The organization published its guidelines in the medical journal Anesthesia on July 31 to mark the commencement of World Breast Feeding Week which is scheduled to run from Aug. 1 to 7.