I'm having an MRI scan soon and may receive a dye that helps with the image. The radiologist won't be able to tell me if I need the dye until the day of the scan. If I receive the dye, I know I'll need to limit breastfeeding for some amount of time, but I'm hearing everything from six hours to 36 hours. I appreciate hearing any advice or experience you have!
Thank you so much for all of the thoughtful responses! I ended up not needing the contrast, but did receive some great information from a lactation consultant, which I'll pass along. She suggested I stop by the OB Department on my way to Radiology and pick up Dr. Hale's, "Medications & Mothers Milk" book. This book is AMAZING! Every hospital department and every clinic should have a copy of this book. Besides listing drugs and their possible effects on a breastfed child, the book contains a list of cold medications and their possible effects. I brought the book to Radiology in case we could look at differnt contrast agents to find one that would be "better." I learned that the only contrast that would've been used is a gadolinium-based agent. Research shows that the amount of gadolinium that is secreted into breastmilk is very low. To be safe, a woman could wait 24-hours before resuming feeding (and pump-and-dump in the meantime). I've learned a lot! Thanks again for the help.
It probably depends on how much die they use. Contact Le Lache League or a lactation consultant for more info.
I had MRI's, CT scans and x-rays about 3 months after my daughter was born. I was told to wait for 24-36 hours so I stockpiled my breastmilk before hand and then, as others had said, pumped and dumped for the two days after the scans. Your doctors or nurses will be able to answer any questions.. so call and ask them if you have any others. Mine were so very helpful during all of that, and especially since I had such a young baby, it seemed as if they were even more attentive. I hope all turns out ok with your scans. :) God Bless.
Hi just had an MRI a couple weeks ago. You will only have to pump and dump if they use the dye and then it would be for 24 hours that you would need to do that.
If they do not use the dye, there is absolutely no need to dump. Luckily they didn't use the dye on me so I didn't have to worry about it, but they tell everyone that they won't know if they need it until you get there.
Pump or feed right before you go in so that you can at least save some of your milk from the day, just in case.
Good luck!
Hi,
I had an MRI last summer, when I had my daughter. I remember them saying to wait at least 24 hours. Hope that helps and hope the MRI turns out okay.
A.
I was told 24 hours also. But, it's probably best to contact a lactation consultant and double check.
I had a scan last month, and I was told to pump and dump for 24 hours. Actually, there is no proof that the dye is harmful for babies, but there is no proof that it's not, either, so that's why it's recommended that you don't breastfeed for 24 hours.
Definitely contact your doc and LaLeche League. Here is their website...http://www.llli.org//. Choose your country, state, and nearest city. If your city is not listed contact the Leader of the nearest city listed and she can answer all of your questions and/or even get you in touch with a group that can assist you with your questions. I loved attending the meetings while I was nursing because it just helped to meet with moms that were nursing as well. Plus you didn't feel embarassed if your baby needed to eat. Half the other moms were feeding their children as well!
I had 2 Cat scans just after my daughter was born with the dye and they never said anything about it affecting milk. Try asking your ped if you are worried.
I had an MRI with dye while I was breastfeeding and pumped like crazy before hand to have enough milk for him to eat while I had to "pump and dump" after the dye. I was told that 36 hours would be on the long end, but that is how long I waited to resume nursing as I wanted to make sure that my milk would be safe. That was 4 years ago, so the dye may have changed. Try contacting a lactation consultant at your local hospital or LLL. They should have the latest information to help you.
Try to relax and best of luck to you.
Blessings!
H.
If you have a breast pump you could always pump and dump. That way you keep your supply up and your baby doesn't get the bad stuff :). Good luck.
I required a brain MRI where they needed to inject dye. At the time, I was breastfeeding. I was told 24 hours, which is what I did. Good luck!
