Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Xenon? Is Xenon safe for nursing mother and child? Does Xenon extracts into breast milk? Does Xenon has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Xenon influence milk supply or can Xenon decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Answer by DrLact: About Xenon usage in lactation

Xenon is an inert gas that has ben used for general anesthesia. It was undetectable in breastmilk after extubation of the mothers. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently from general anesthesia to nurse.[1] When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.

Xenon Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Four mothers who underwent general anesthesia were given propofol and remifentanil as induction agents and rocuronium for intubation. After induction, propofol was stopped and xenon inhalation was used to maintain anesthesia for between 57 and 70 minutes. Infants resumed breastfeeding from 1.5 to 5 hours after the end of surgery. None of the infants had noticeable symptoms of dizziness or drowsiness. All infants fared well at home after their mothers were discharged.[2]
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