Last update Jan. 9, 2024

Diving, Scuba diving

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Diving, in any of its modalities (free diving, freediving or scuba diving), is compatible with the maintenance of breastfeeding. (aquamed 2024, DAN 2020,2019, 2016 y 1999, Boderé 2006, Tayor 2004 y 2003)

The accumulation in body tissues of nitrogen and other gases that may occur during scuba diving does not affect milk quality. Nitrogen bubbles are not likely to occur in the milk during decompression in significant quantity, but this would also not pose any risk to the infant as there is normally swallowed air in the gut and this is almost 79% nitrogen, which is an inert gas that does not cause problems to living things. (aquamed 2024, DAN 2020, 2019, 2016 y 1999, Taylor 2004 y 2003)

Diving induces an increase in diuresis and a loss of body water (Neuman 1979). The breastfeeding woman should take this into account in order to regulate her water intake.

Prolactin levels decrease during submersion but only transiently (Karmali 1976), so milk production need not be significantly affected. Other authors have observed transient and non-significant elevations in prolactin levels. (McLellan 2010, Anegg 2002)

For obstetric reasons it is recommended to wait 3 to 4 weeks after delivery to resume diving and 4 to 8 weeks in case of cesarean section. (DAN 2016, Taylor 2004 y 2003)

Given the compression exerted by the wetsuit (neoprene or other material) and the increased pressure when submerged, it may be advisable for the breast to be as "empty" as possible before diving (breastfeeding or pumping beforehand). Consider putting a cotton dressing between the nipple and the wetsuit if there is excessive rubbing.

Avoid diving in case of mastitis. (DAN 2020, Taylor 2004 y 2003)

There are good testimonies of breastfeeding mothers who dive and experience no problems other than those derived from the lack of schedule (on-demand administration) of breastfeeding, especially the first few months and the inconvenience or impossibility of taking the infant with them to sea, so it may be worth having expressed milk in reserve to administer and express milk on board in the meantime.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

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References

  1. aqua med. Gynaecological questions and women's fitness to dive. Can I dive while breastfeeding? Medical articles 2024 Consulted on Jan. 9, 2024 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. DAN. Common Questions About Women’s Health and Scuba Diving. Scuba Diving and Breastfeeding. Safety & Prevention. 2020 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. DAN. Sarah Egner. Las mujeres y el buceo: consideraciones sobre su salud. Línea médica. 2019 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. DAN Staff. Breastfeeding and diving. Blog. Medical questions 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. McLellan TM, Wright HE, Rhind SG, Cameron BA, Eaton DJ. Hyperbaric stress in divers and non-divers: neuroendocrine and psychomotor responses. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2010 Abstract
  6. HWA - Healthy Western Australia, Department of Health. More about breastfeeding. Health Pamphlet 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Bodéré M. La sécurité chez la femme en plongée sous-marine : Etude prospective par la détection des bulles circulantes et l’évaluation des apports nutritionnels. These. Faculté Médecine Marseille 2006 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Taylor L. Women and Diving. Diving during Pregnancy Alert Diver, SEAP 2004 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Lynn Taylor. Diving, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2003 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Anegg U, Dietmaier G, Maier A, Tomaselli F, Gabor S, Kallus KW, Smolle-Jüttner FM. Stress-induced hormonal and mood responses in scuba divers: a field study. Life Sci. 2002 Abstract
  11. DAN. Donna M. Uguccioni, M.S., DAN Associate Medical Director Dr. Richard Moon, and Dr. Maida Beth Taylor. DAN Explores Fitness and Diving Issues for Women Divers Alert Network (DAN) 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. Neuman TS, Goad RF, Hall D, Smith RM, Claybaugh JR, Hong SK. Urinary excretion of water and electrolytes during open-sea saturation diving to 850 fsw. Undersea Biomed Res. 1979 Sep;6(3):291-302. Abstract
  13. Karmali RA, Weatherly CJ, Parke L, Horrobin DF. Plasma prolactin levels during a simulated dive. Br Med J. 1976 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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