I have attempted to call the hotline numerous times today and have not been able to reach anyone. I hope that someone can assist me.
I have to have a partial lobectomy of my thyroid on August 16th and cannot seem to get a clear answer from any of my doctors about whether all or part of the procedure is safe for nursing. I have an 18 month old who nurses approximately twice a day and primarily for comfort. I have been trying to wean him in preparation for the surgery, but without success. I would like to know:
1) Is anesthesia safe for nursing? I will have general anesthesia and probably be hospitalized overnight (assuming I do not have complications). Can I resume breastfeeding when I am discharged from the hospital?
2) The surgeon will send the right lobe to pathology and if it is cancer, they will remove the entire thyroid and then I will need a dose of radioactive iodine. The pediatrician said that I will have to fully wean 6 weeks prior to treatment but that time period has already passed (surgery is in a little over 2 weeks). Is this true that I need to have stopped breastfeeding before hand? If not 6 weeks, when should I wean? Is it possible to "pump and dump" to maintain my supply so that I can simply resume breastfeeding after the iodine dose? When can I resume nursing after receiving the radioactive iodine treatment?
3) Is there a type of radioactive iodine that is less risky for breastfeeding? A lactation consultant suggested Technetium 99m for the lowest risk to nursing. Is this accurate?
4) What is the worst case/best case scenario for radioactive iodine.
Thank you for your time.
I have to have a partial lobectomy of my thyroid on August 16th and cannot seem to get a clear answer from any of my doctors about whether all or part of the procedure is safe for nursing. I have an 18 month old who nurses approximately twice a day and primarily for comfort. I have been trying to wean him in preparation for the surgery, but without success. I would like to know:
1) Is anesthesia safe for nursing? I will have general anesthesia and probably be hospitalized overnight (assuming I do not have complications). Can I resume breastfeeding when I am discharged from the hospital?
2) The surgeon will send the right lobe to pathology and if it is cancer, they will remove the entire thyroid and then I will need a dose of radioactive iodine. The pediatrician said that I will have to fully wean 6 weeks prior to treatment but that time period has already passed (surgery is in a little over 2 weeks). Is this true that I need to have stopped breastfeeding before hand? If not 6 weeks, when should I wean? Is it possible to "pump and dump" to maintain my supply so that I can simply resume breastfeeding after the iodine dose? When can I resume nursing after receiving the radioactive iodine treatment?
3) Is there a type of radioactive iodine that is less risky for breastfeeding? A lactation consultant suggested Technetium 99m for the lowest risk to nursing. Is this accurate?
4) What is the worst case/best case scenario for radioactive iodine.
Thank you for your time.
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