I am having a colonoscopy on Monday and it didn't occur to me until today that I forgot to mention to the doctor when the appointment was scheduled that I am still nursing my 18 month daughter. Has anyone had the same or a similar procedure while breastfeeding?
Thank you to everyone who responded. I called the doctors office this morning and after they mad a few phone calls to the hospital they did say I would have to pump and dump for sure for 24 hours after the procedure because of the anesthesia. They also said it was possible that my daughter could get some diarrhea from the "prep" medication. So, to be completely safe (without having to abruptly wean my daughter) I have postponed the procedure.
Thank you again for all of the responses.
I had my wisdom teeth taken out when my son was about 7 months and I was still breastfeeding. I did have to be put under so I was nervous about breastfeeding after. They said if I waited three hours after waking up until I breastfed then I should be fine. To be on the safe side I pumped before and gave my son that bottle so it was about 7 hours. Just talk to your doctor and I am sure you'll be fine.
Have you had one before? I'd definitely call the Doctor and talk it over with him. The "prep" is the worst part of the procedure since it involves not eating for 2 days and then a gut load of stuff to clear out your system. Thats tough on anyone, much less on someone who requires the extra calories for BFing. The drugs to knock you out during the procedure is not that heavy hitting, but still best to pump n dump.
GL!
I'd check with a doctor, but it's probably pump and dump. You'll probably have less milk for a while, too, as you can't have anything to drink other than the fluids to clean out your system. I think when I had mine, I had to wait until my son was weaned. I could be wrong, though, it's been a couple years and another baby. GL!
Talk with your doctor during office hours today if you can, and then when you go in for the procedure, tell every nurse, technician and doctor you come in contact with that you are breastfeeding and make sure it gets put on your chart.
Most anesthesias are OK for breastfeeding, as they clear your system fairly quickly; if you are alert enough to hold your baby, it's safe to breastfeed. Always ask about specific meds, but it's likely you will not need to pump and dump at all. Consider pumping now, while you're still eating regular meals, to have some milk available for yor baby while you're having the procedure, if you do not already have a stockpile in your freezer.
Be more cautious about painkillers, but know that ibuprofen is compatible with breastfeeding if you are uncomfortable.
Consult the "Is This Safe While Breastfeeding?" chart at www.kellymom.com for more information about specific medications. The info there is frequently updated as is based on Dr. Hales' book "Medications and Mother's Milk."
Plan to spend the day after your procedure having a "milk day" and nurse on cue and extra-often, to maintain your healthy milk supply and counteract any effects of having been so low-calorie to prep for the procedure.
Consider calling your local La Leche League Leader for more free help if you have further questions. Good luck and congrats on working so hard to give top-notch care to both yourself and your baby. ;)
I had a colonoscopy in November, 8 weeks after my son was born. The prep meds had no impact on him and I did pump and dump 24 hours after the procedure. No ill effects. Don't worry, I don't remember a thing and everything came out just fine for me.
B.:
I'm not aware of anything you would be taking that would have any impact on your milk. It's all your own GI track that's involved.
I don't envy you...it's not a fun process.
S.
Hmm, after reading other responses I'm realizing there may be some anesthetic involved. I wasn't even given that option, so I didn't realize. That would definitely need discussion, although it may not be a problem.
B., I see you have postponed your procedure, but I wouldn't wait too long. If it was scheduled it is usually for a good reason. I had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and had to pump and dump for 32 hours. I started after beginning the prep and began breastfeeding again the morning after the procedure. I didn't want to ween my little one from breastmilk either so I just got up at 3 am, like I used to do when she was younger, to pump and store some milk for her for about a week prior. She had no problem drinking from the bottle for a day and half and I did not "dry up" due to medication and lack of fluids. We got back to breastfeeding with no problem... good luck with the procedure.
