Anesthesia, Sedation and Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding and need to undergo a medical procedure that requires anesthesia, there is no need to worry. Most mothers can safely continue breastfeeding after receiving anesthesia medications.

Anesthesia and breastfeeding

• You may need to receive medicines for anesthesia, sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
• All anesthetic and pain relief medicines can transfer into breastmilk. This happens only in very small amounts
• It is safe to continue to breastfeed after receiving medicines for anesthesia, sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
• There is no need to discard breast milk. You may wish to have an expressed supply available for the duration of your procedure

In hospital

• Please tell the anesthesiologist that you are breastfeeding. They can discuss the most suitable type of anesthetic with you and will use medicines that are safe
• Please tell us how old your baby(ies) is/are, if they were premature or if they have any health problems
• Please tell the caregivers looking after you that you are breastfeeding and they will support you
• Caregivers will ensure you have an appropriate environment to breastfeed/express milk before and after surgery
• If you are staying in hospital and wish to bring your infant(s) with you for feeding, please bring another adult support person to care for the infant
• CCAD Caregivers will not be able to care for your infant unless it is a clinical emergency

When you go home

For 24 hours after your procedure

• Please be accompanied by another responsible adult
• Please be cautious if co-sleeping with the infant(s)
• Please be cautious if sleeping while feeding in a chair

When should you contact a doctor?

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about breastfeeding or if your baby appears very sleepy or has difficulty feeding after returning home.

Reassuring information:

Most mothers can resume breastfeeding as soon as they are awake and feel able to safely hold and feed the baby after anesthesia.