In a little over a week I have to get a contrast MRI. The doctor is recommending I pump and dump for 24 hours. Quick research online says this isn't totally necessary. Does anyone have further info on this? It always makes me feel better when it comes from someone in this group vs. just online research. Other possibly pertinent info - my son will be a couple days shy of 7 months old when I have it. I'd guess he weighs about 17 lbs. It may be pms rearing its ugly head, but I've gotten ridiculously weepy at the thought of having to pump and dump for 24 hours. He will take a bottle, although he doesn't really like it. I do have some milk in the freezer and I can certainly pump more in the next week. Logically I know we are well-established and even if I didn't nurse for 24 hours I would have plenty of milk (although it would be insanely painful), but still it's an upsetting thought. Any input or words of wisdom will be appreciated!

i'm afraid i can't help you with more info on contrast dyes getting into BM, but as for pumping and dumping,
throwing out any milk hurts, you have to work so hard to make it! maybe instead of feeding it to him, you could give yourself a spa day complete with a milk bath :p (with 24 hrs worth of engorgement, it might be happening anyway!) or perhaps EBM ice cream! you might not be able to feed it back to yourself... but maybe to hubby, lol?

since you're well established, i'm sure a day of bottle won't interfere with your bf relationship. even if it's not fun, it'll be ok.

on another note, pumping enough for one day shouldn't be too hard. if you do think you'll be a little short, though, you could always solicit donated milk :)

Have you tried the mothering.com discussion forums? You may find some encouragement there too. On the mothering.com main webpage, look for the tab "community". Click on that the look around....probably in the breastfeeding section. I could have sworn that I've seen others posting about what you are talking about.

Have you thought about calling Erin, lactation at BRG? She prob. has the info. We have had docs tell pts. to pump and dump for meds and Erin has gone to the docs and educated them and saved people from having to do this. Might be worth a try.

Thank you for all of your suggestions so far! They have been tremendous help!