Question:
Breastfeeding toddler and radioactive dye tests

My daughter will be at least 18 months by the time I have my surgery but I'm sure she will still be nursing at least once or twice a day. I'm concerned about the radioactive dye tests like upper GIs that might be ordered. Are there any alternatives? Also, has anyone got any experience nursing a toddler shortly post-op? My lactation consultant says that she thinks it will be much like nursing after a c-section and that with some direction on how to avoid hurting me, my daughter will have no trouble nursing. Any been-theres-done-that? I REALLY don't want to wean her for the surgery. I suspect that the emotional closeness of my daughter will mean a lot to both of us as we get through the hospitalization and recovery period.    — Julia Z. (posted on April 18, 2001)

April 18, 2001
I had some radioactive dye tests done several months ago and was told that I could breastfeed up until the test and then I had to pump for 48 hours. I could then resume my regular schedule. I planned to continue breatfeeding after my surgery, but my daughter has weaned herself and I haven't gotten as far as surgery yet. Good luck to you.
   — Lindsey G.

April 18, 2001
I didn't know that upper GIs were done with radioactive dye. I've had them in the past and never had any radioactivity.
   — [Anonymous]

April 18, 2001
Upper GI's use barium, not radioactive. I understand some physicians may perform an endoscopy which also does not involve radioactive dye. As far as breastfeeding, you will be struggling to get in enough fluid to maintain the needs of your own body, will you have enough to continue to produce breast milk? What will the nutritional value be, although at 18 months most nutrition is probably through solid food? I would ask the surgeon's opinion as well. I certainly hope you can continue but I would be certain you will not risk your own health first.
   — Shannon S.

April 19, 2001
Thanks for these opinions. Breastmilk doesn't decrease in nutritional value over time... in fact, as the child grows older and nurses less, the immunological factors are actually CONCENTRATED... so continued nursing is a good thing. :-) I am relieved to hear that barium is not radioactive and therefore, not dangerous in this way. If I have to pump and dump, Joanne is out of luck because of course that means no in-person nursing either. That's exactly what I want to avoid. Thanks for the advice. It sounds like I might have to wait for Joanne to wean to have this surgery. I don't think that I'd be up to telling her why she can't nurse that first night. :-( Julia
   — Julia Z.