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This decision, and any subsequent surgery and anaesthesia, should be undertaken by senior staff in consultation with obstetric, neonatology, midwifery and obstetric anaesthetic teams. Identifying research priorities in anaesthesia and peri-operative care: final report of the joint National Institute of academic Anaesthesia/James Lind Alliance research priority setting partnership. Keywords: anaesthesia; complications; pre-natal EN anaesthesia complications pre-natal 143 146 4 01/10/23 20230201 NES 230201 Surgery for non-obstetric issues occurs in up to 1:100 pregnancies and can be an anxiety-provoking experience for the mother and healthcare staff, with concerns for maternal and fetal well-being [[1]]. Neurodevelopmental outcomes after prenatal exposure to anaesthesia for maternal surgery: a propensity-score weighted bidirectional cohort study. [Extracted from the article]

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for the mother and infant. Women who are breastfeeding may require anaesthesia or sedation. Concerns regarding the passage of drugs into breast milk may lead to inconsistent advice from professionals. This can sometimes result in the interruption of feeding for 24 hours or longer after anaesthesia, or expressing and discarding ('pumping and dumping') breast milk; this may contribute to early cessation of breastfeeding. However, there are data regarding the transfer of most anaesthetic drugs into breast milk. We advise that breastfeeding is acceptable to continue after anaesthesia and should be supported as soon as the woman is alert and able to feed, without the need to discard breast milk. We provide evidence-based information on the pharmacokinetics of drugs commonly used during anaesthesia so that professionals can undertake a risk-benefit discussion with the woman. We advise the development of local policies that aid logistical planning and guide staff to facilitate breastfeeding during the woman's hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]