Lactation and Surgery: What You Need to Know

We believe every parent should have the tools to make informed, empowered decisions. It is important to understand evidence-based information so you can make informed and shared decisions with your healthcare team.

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Tell Your Doctor You're Breast-/Chest-feeding or Pumping Milk

Let your care team know before surgery if you’re breast-/chest-feeding or pumping.

  • For non-urgent surgery, you may be able to wait until lactation is well established.

Can I Drink Before Surgery?

Yes! You can drink clear liquids (like water or Gatorade) up to 2 hours before surgery—if your care team says it's okay.

After Sedation: When Can I Breast-/Chest-feed or Pump Milk?

You can pump or breastfeed as soon as you're awake and feel okay to hold your baby.

  • Most sedation and pain meds are safe for breastfeeding.

After General Anesthesia

Once you're fully awake and feeling well, it's safe to chest-feed or pump.

  • Often possible in the recovery room.
  • Most anesthesia and pain meds are safe with lactation (breast milk).

After a C-Section (Cesarean section or Cesarean delivery)

If you had a spinal or epidural, you can ask for skin-to-skin time in the operating room.

  • Start feeding in the recovery room if you're both doing well.
  • After general anesthesia, breastfeed/express milk when you're awake and comfortable.

Do I Need to “Pump and Dump”?

Usually not!

  • If you’re unsure, pump, label, and save your milk.
  • Ask your doctor when it's okay to use.

Planning for a Long Surgery

Feed or pump close to your surgery time.

  • Bring your pump to the hospital.
  • You can feed or pump once you’re awake.

Helpful Tips

  • Most anesthesia and pain medicines are safe for breast-/chest-feeding and lactation.
  • Communicate with your healthcare team.
  • You are not alone!

Are Pain Medications Safe While Breastfeeding?

I'm getting pain medicine. Will it hurt my baby?

➡ It’s normal to worry—but most pain medicines are safe while breast-/chest-feeding or pumping.

  • Not treating pain after surgery can make it harder to make milk.
  • Common pain meds like acetaminophen (Tylenol™) and ibuprofen are safe to use when taken as your doctor says.
  • The medicines used in a spinal, epidural, or nerve block do not end up in breast milk.

What About Stronger Pain Meds (for example, opioids)?

  • Some people need stronger medicines, like oxycodone after surgery.
  • If you take them, use the lowest dose for the shortest time.
  • Avoid: Codeine, Tramadol, and Meperidine—these are not safe while producing milk.

Watch your baby for signs like:

  • Trouble waking up
  • Slowed breathing

This is rare, and older or bigger babies are at lower risk.

Where can I learn more?

  • Talk to your doctor or surgeon
  • Ask if your hospital has a lactation consultant or breastfeeding helpline
  • Plan ahead if you'll be away from your baby overnight. Ask how to store milk safely

Helpful websites and apps:

Common Medicines That Are Safe While Lactating

Anesthesia Medicines Propofol, Etomidate Yes
Inhaled Medicines Sevoflurane Yes
Sedatives Midazolam Yes
Pain medicines (opioids) Fentanyl, Morphine, Hydromorphone Yes
Unsafe opioids Tramadol, Codeine No
Muscle relaxants Succinylcholine, Rocuronium Yes
Anti-nausea medicines Ondansetron, Metoclopramide Yes
Local anesthetics Lidocaine, Bupivacaine Yes