Help - BF and CT Scan

[Melbel]

I have a CT Scan first thing tomorrow morning as part of a work up re. my unexplained weight loss and GI issues. I have been trying to wean DD2, but she still does not take a bottle well from me. When I set the appointment, I thought we would be further along in the weaning process. They told me that I would have to wait 48 hours to BF. However, when I researched some online, there does not appear to be a valid basis for this recommendation.

I will be taking 2 bottles of the Ready-Cat 2 (barium sulfate suspension). They did not state whether or not I would also have any IV contrast.

I found a 2005 post on point, but was hoping for some more recent BTDT advice.

I also have an endoscopy scheduled in a couple weeks, so I would appreciate advice re. BF after sedation as well.

TIA

[bubbaray]

I would ask for more guidance -- and I would be very cautious about any radioactive tracers.

If it were me, I'd probably pump & dump. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear.

GL -- I hope you get some answers.

[Sillygirl]

You don't get radioactive material injected for a CT scan, nor do you drink it. Barium isn't radioactive.

Try Dr. Hale's website. The radiologists at the hospital will likely recommend pump and dump for 24 hours. This is almost always over-cautious.

[amldaley]

I don't have a BTDT for you, I only have done non-contrast CT's. But since you are trying to wean, maybe this is a good time to do it?

If you have any supply in the fridge or freezer at home, can you give a little of that to ease off the BFing? Not a full day full, but some?

Best of luck with your tests tomorrow and your BFing endeavor :)

[Melbel]

Thanks for the prompt replies and well wishes. I realize I should have put more thought into this earlier. Based upon my research, it appears as though the barium sulfate is compatible with BF because it is not absorbed. If I also need IV contrast, I will need to find out the specifics. In case anyone else finds themselves in this predicament, I will post a few links:

http://kellymom.com/health/meds/radioisotopes.html
http://www.acr.org/MainMenuCategories/about_us/committees/gpr-srp/AdministrationofContrastMediumtoNursingMothersDoc1 .aspx
http://www.drugs.com/cons/barium-sulfate-diagnostic.html
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2014815
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:IFbWSq_ybFoJ:whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/55732.pdf+barium+sulfate+suspension+breastfeeding&cd=20&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

[caheinz]

I was going to say, it shouldn't be a problem. I've had an upper GI series, which also involves the Barium, and I'm pretty sure I was BFing at the time...

[o_mom]

If you do find that you need more info, the forums at Kellymom have many professionals lurking. As far as the endoscopy, here is a post about colonoscopy with some good info: http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=282092