Yes, it is typically safe to have anesthetics while breastfeeding. Studies indicate that very small amounts of anesthetics can make their way into breast milk following administration. However, these quantities are usually too low to have any negative effects 1 on the breastfeeding baby.
Local anesthetics, such as those used in dental procedures or minor surgeries, are rapidly metabolized in the mother's body, further reducing the potential for any significant exposure to the infant. Similarly, general anesthetics, while more powerful, are still generally considered safe during breastfeeding due to their low concentrations in breast milk and rapid metabolism.
Although each case may vary depending on the specific anesthetics used and individual health factors, overall, anesthetics are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
As always, it’s recommended to discuss this with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. But in general, there's no need to press the pause button on breastfeeding due to anesthetics.
