MRI Contrast Dye Pump and Dump?

[Jaymelynn]

I have to go for my annual MRI where they use gadolinium contrast dye. My doctor said there is "not enough research" to tell me if I should avoid the dye all together or to pump and dump and for how long. She pretty much left it up to me. I really want to get the dye because I feel it is important for my scan (I had a brain tumor), but I do not want it to effect my baby. I have googled this topic and found a wide range for how long to dump and dump- anywhere from no wait to 48 hours of dumping, Anyone have experience with this??

 

[Here_we_go]

I've gotten conflicting info as well. When my daughter had hers done, I supposedly couldn't go in there with her since I breastfed. BUT at a different location when I had MY MRI done, I was told I didn't have to pump and dump at all.

Google up Dr Jack Newman. He seems to know his stuff and I remember reading on his site/fb page that you didn't have to pump and dump.

Wish all these drs would get on the same page Too much conflicting advice/info on E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!!

 

[Jaymelynn]

Thanks! I feel like my doctor was just too lazy to look into it. I do not understand why they said you could not go in the room- very weird. When you got an mri did they use dye? You are right everything conflicts- so frustrating!

 

[dalismom]

I had an MRI done, with contrast when my son was about 7 months old. My OB and the tech told me that there was no harm but if I wanted I could always pump and dump. I hated too but I felt better knowing that at least "hopefully" most of it was out of my system after a few hours. I drank tons of water..don't know if that actually helped but I did pump about 3 hours after and fed directly about 6 hours after with out any know side effects to my baby. Good luck! I know it is a scary thing!! I didn't think I was going to have to have contrast and broke down in tears when they told me I did, I was so worried about feeding and pumping and the whole but. I made them wait until I could reach my OB and he said it was totally fine, everyone was super nice and totally understood my concern.

 

[Jaymelynn]

Thank you! From what I read I think I will pump and dump few a few hours. Like you, it will make me feel better. That is awful that they did not warn you about the dye. I think I would have cried too. I am glad it worked out for you.

 

[Here_we_go]

Thanks! I feel like my doctor was just too lazy to look into it. I do not understand why they said you could not go in the room- very weird. When you got an mri did they use dye? You are right everything conflicts- so frustrating!

Yep had the dye as well Was told I didn't have to pump and dump and all was well

The first hospital claimed the "rays" or whatever from the MRI would go into my breastmilk so hubby had to be in with DD.