10/17/2025
For those unable to access the full journal article and looking for more information on our guidelines for surgery and lactation, please visit our webpage article here:
https://infantrisk.com/content/breastfeeding-surgery-and-anesthesia
This resource provides evidence-based guidance and serves as a great starting point for both healthcare providers and mothers preparing for surgery while breastfeeding.
From the article, you’ll find helpful links and tools designed to guide both providers and lactating patients through safe, informed surgical care.
It was written by Dr. Sarah Dobbs and Dr. Kaytlin Krutsch, who also authored the newly published journal article.
General anesthesia and most perioperative medications are compatible with breastfeeding, but not all. Mothers of normal term or older infants can resume pumping or direct breast feeding without interruption following anesthesia as soon as they are awake and alert with strategic drug choices.