How long after an IV infusion can I breastfeed?
Apr 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
In general, breastfeeding can resume three days after intravenous infusion. However, the appropriate timing should be determined based on specific circumstances. Different medications have different half-lives, so the metabolism time—and thus the timing for resuming breastfeeding—depends on the particular drug used. Typically, drugs administered by IV remain in the body for about 24 hours, after which only minimal amounts are usually left.
Generally, breastfeeding can resume three days after intravenous (IV) infusion. However, the appropriate timing should be determined based on specific circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:
The half-life varies among different medications, so the time required for metabolism and the timing to resume breastfeeding depend on the specific drug used. Medications administered via IV infusion typically remain in the body for about 24 hours. After this period, only minimal amounts of the drug usually remain, and most drugs are completely metabolized within 72 hours. Therefore, resuming breastfeeding three days after IV infusion is generally considered safe. IV infusions usually have little noticeable effect on breast milk, and some patients may even continue breastfeeding during treatment. However, in the first few minutes after infusion, individuals might experience dizziness or fatigue. Breastfeeding is not recommended immediately at this time; instead, it's advisable to rest briefly and stabilize before feeding. This helps ensure both maternal safety and infant health.
After IV infusion, patients are advised to drink plenty of water to promote the excretion of metabolic byproducts and maintain a balanced diet. Consuming vegetable soup and crucian carp soup may help increase milk production. It is also important to maintain a positive mood and avoid anger and excessive fatigue.
