Breastfeeding with an ICD

I am almost 8 months pregnant with my 3rd child.  (Survived SCA due to vtach at 8 weeks along and got my defibrillator...)  The medications I am on are compatible with breastfeeding and I would like to have this experience with this baby as well.  That being said, had anyone breastfed with a defibrillator?  Anything special that I need to do or be concerned about?  And would a breastpump interfere at all with the device?  Thank you for any feedback/help!  Hoping to make it through the delivery without complications first and foremost...  

4 Comments

should be fine

by Tracey_E - 2017-04-26 21:49:43

I have a pacemaker, not icd, but I breastfed both kids. Pumping won't interfere, tho you may still be sore depending on where they placed it. 

Expect lots of people poking their heads in the door while you are in labor! They had me on a heart monitor through both deliveries. They don't see pacing spikes on their monitors very often! 

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and uneventful delivery! 

Question

by Artist - 2017-04-28 21:08:56

If the mother is taking beta blocker medications, can those medications be absorbed by the baby from consuming the mother's milk and could that affect the baby's heart rate? 

is currently pregnant

by dwelch - 2017-04-28 21:54:24

She is currently pregnant so if she is taking something the baby is taking it now too, not just after birth.  

Betablocker

by CUtiger5 - 2017-04-29 00:13:07

I am indeed on a betablocker but one that is generally safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.  As stated in my original post, all of my medications are compatible with both pregnancy and breastfeeding.  I am actually a nurse in neonatal intensive care so I have thoroughly researched my own medications as well!  My question was more about breastfeeding with the device itself...

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