Can I resume breastfeeding after RFA to Saphenous Vein? Or should I wait until my baby is completely weaned?

I'm 28 with a 4 month old and severe reflux in both small and large saphenous veins, bilaterally. I had this condition before becoming pregnant. The doctor says we can do RFA, but I will have to pump and dump for 1 week, and then I can resume breastfeeding. Is it definitely safe to resume nursing my child after 1 week?

Answers from doctors (7)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Aug 07, 2015

The procedure is done under local anesthetic. I see no reason to pump and dump.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The procedure is done under local anesthetic. I see no reason to pump and dump.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 30, 2015

When sclerotherapy is performed at the same time as RFA, I ask my nursing patients to discard breast milk for 24 hours before resuming breast feeding because the sclerosing agent is excreted within 24 hours. I am unaware of a waiting period when RFA is performed by itself. Regardless, you should follow your doctor's advice.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

When sclerotherapy is performed at the same time as RFA, I ask my nursing patients to discard breast milk for 24 hours before resuming breast feeding because the sclerosing agent is excreted within 24 hours. I am unaware of a waiting period when RFA is performed by itself. Regardless, you should follow your doctor's advice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Destin Vein Center

Published on Jul 29, 2015

As long as you are not taking medications by mouth, then you have nothing to worry about. We only ask moms to P&D for 1st 24 hours after surgery.

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Answered by Destin Vein Center

As long as you are not taking medications by mouth, then you have nothing to worry about. We only ask moms to P&D for 1st 24 hours after surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Jul 29, 2015

I usually recommend proceeding with venous ablation after the pregnancy and termination of breastfeeding.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

I usually recommend proceeding with venous ablation after the pregnancy and termination of breastfeeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Jul 29, 2015

When doing the EVLA or RFA procedure on the greater or Sher saphenous vein, we use tumescent anesthesia. This is a dilute form of lidocaine. This lidocaine can last in the body a few days before it clears completely. That being said the amount that goes into breast milk even with high dose intravenous infusions would be very low. One week is a very cautious estimate of the amount of time needed to clear the lidocaine from the body, blood and breast milk and I believe that is more than sufficient. Your other option is you postpone the procedure until you are done breastfeeding.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

When doing the EVLA or RFA procedure on the greater or Sher saphenous vein, we use tumescent anesthesia. This is a dilute form of lidocaine. This lidocaine can last in the body a few days before it clears completely. That being said the amount that goes into breast milk even with high dose intravenous infusions would be very low. One week is a very cautious estimate of the amount of time needed to clear the lidocaine from the body, blood and breast milk and I believe that is more than sufficient. Your other option is you postpone the procedure until you are done breastfeeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 29, 2015

I recommend to my patients that they be patient, continue breast feeding, wear their hose and return for treatment when the hormones of pregnancy settle down. Enjoy your time with the baby...this treatment can wait a few months.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I recommend to my patients that they be patient, continue breast feeding, wear their hose and return for treatment when the hormones of pregnancy settle down. Enjoy your time with the baby...this treatment can wait a few months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 29, 2015

Breast feeding can be resumed safely after a closure procedure. We recommend pump and dump for 8 hours post procedure if no oral sedation is used and 24 hours if oral sedation is used. I week is a long time to hold off on breast feeding.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Breast feeding can be resumed safely after a closure procedure. We recommend pump and dump for 8 hours post procedure if no oral sedation is used and 24 hours if oral sedation is used. I week is a long time to hold off on breast feeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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