Only a tiny fraction of an intravenous iodinated or gadolinium-based contrast dose passes into breast milk, and less still is absorbed from the infant's gut. Major radiology guidance therefore advises that breastfeeding can continue without interruption after either agent. A mother who prefers to can express and discard milk for 12 to 24 hours, but this is her choice, not a requirement. Tell her before the scan, so she does not stop feeding unnecessarily.
- Advise breastfeeding mothers that they can continue feeding after iodinated or gadolinium contrast.
- Offer expressing and discarding for 12 to 24 hours only if the mother wishes.
- Say this before the scan, not after, so she can plan.
- Include the advice in departmental patient information leaflets.
Why it matters
Unnecessary interruption of breastfeeding is a common and avoidable harm of imaging advice.
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