If you’re breastfeeding and need surgery, a procedure, or sedation, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice before: “You’ll need to pump and dump for 24 hours.” The problem? That advice is outdated — and for most families, completely unnecessary. In January 2026, the Association of Anaesthetists  released updated, evidence-based guidelines on anesthesia and sedation for breastfeeding patients. These guidelines were developed by a multidisciplinary team including ane

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, I (Brianne) am writing an article on the new mastitis protocol. I breastfed 5 babies and got mastitis at least twice with every baby. On baby #5, I chose to wean at 11 months after a particularly bad bout of mastitis (and a lifetime total of 10+ mastitis occurrences.) I was just over it! I wish this new protocol had been out at the time, as I have had the opportunity to use these new recommendations on man