Patients are educated regarding the safety of breastfeeding specific to the procedure they are undergoing
Effects of radiation and contrast media on breast milk
- The vast majority of diagnostic imaging procedures (including X-ray, CT, MRI) have no known significant effect on breast milk, and pose no known risk to the breastfeeding infant1,2,3.
- Some nuclear medicine procedures do require a modification to breastfeeding (also see “Breastfeeding in nuclear medicine” guideline for more information).
- Current research indicates that it is safe to breastfeed following radiation therapy, if the mother is still capable of lactation4,5.
- Breastfeeding is contraindicated, however, during concurrent chemotherapy6
- Current research also indicates it is safe to breastfeed after receiving a contrast agent3,7,8.
- Only a miniscule amount of contrast agent is passed from mother to baby through breast milk
Patient education
- Some mothers may have concern about the effects of diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy on breastfeeding.
- MRTs ensure that patients have been provided with information and explanations to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and the possible need for pumping breast milk or using formula2,3
- Patients can be provided with or directed to educational resources regarding the safety of breastfeeding following diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, or radionuclide therapy
Related Posts
References
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Canadian breastfeeding Foundation. Breastfeeding and Medication. Available from: https://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundation.org/basics/medications.shtml. [Accessed 12 Dec 2019]
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American Association of Family Physicians. Breastfeeding, Family Physicians Supporting (Position Paper). Available from: https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/breastfeeding-support.html. [Accessed 13 Dec 2018]
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Radiopaedia. Contrast media and breastfeeding. Available from: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/contrast-media-and-breastfeeding. [Accessed 12 December 2019]
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La Leche League International. Cancer and breastfeeding. Available from: www.llli.org/cancer-and-breastfeeding/. [Accessed 12 Dec 2019]
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Helewa M, Vesque PL, Provencher D, et al. Breast cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2002;24(2):164-180.
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Canadian Pediatric Society. The Baby-Friendly Initiative: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding (Position Statement). Available from: https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/baby-friendly-initiative-breastfeeding. [Accessed 29 Nov 2018]
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American College of Radiology. Manual on Contrast Media, v10-3. Available from: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Contrast-Manual. [Accessed 12 Dec 2018]
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and Lactation. Available from: https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Guidelines-for-Diagnostic-Imaging-During-Pregnancy-and-Lactation?IsMobileSet=false. [Accessed 12 December 2019]