Diving and nursing?

[thor]

My wife was wondering if there are any problems or health issues related to diving and someone who is still nursing? We are supposed to go on a trip in a couple of weeks and she is wondering weather the pressure or nitrogen can have any effects on her or our child, who is still nursing. Anyone ever research this?

[CompuDude]

Never heard of any research on the subject, but I really don't see how a little pressure would affect a liquid. The primary warnings I've read about diving while still pregnant have to do with pressure effects on developing children, not any actual harm to the mother.

As always, probably best to check with an actual doctor, but it seems like common sense to me.

[Kokomo]

I can't imagine there would be a problem but maybe you should ask DAN. I'll really be interested to hear what you find out.

[h2odragon1]

DAN Divers Alert Network : DAN Explores Fitness and Diving Issues for Women

try this link

[divingyogini]

That DAN article is great (no surprise of course). La Leche League might also have some information on this as well; it's worth a phone call.

When she's searching for her nursing bathing suit, I highly recommend fitmaternity.com, they're super cool to deal with.

[RoadRacer1978]

Here is a link I found as well. Looks like no problem, just need to stay hydrated.

Scuba diving and breastfeeding

and from DAN

DAN Divers Alert Network : Breast-Feeding

[snagel]

Okay I have to say it .......

I will volunteer for the next time my wife and I go diving to see if I can nurse. I'm up for it, I'll take one for the team.

S. Nagel

Sorry, didn't want to make light of a serious question, just couldn't resist.

[thor]

Thanks for all of the info folks, and a very special thanks for snagel sacrificing himself in the name of science. It looks like it is a false alarm as my wife has officially bailed from diving this weekend.

[navyhmc]

Sorry, I can't help it....


Why is it that when I first saw the title of this thread the only thing I could think of was:

Nursing Diving Mothers and how to avoid having your little one getting DCI...

[thor]

I knew I would get the peanut gallery when I posted this. I thought I would get less by not posting "breast" in the title of the thread. (Sorry Beavus)

On a more serious note, some people have told me that this was an interesting question, so here are some articles I found online on the subject.

DAN Divers Alert Network : DAN Explores Fitness and Diving Issues for Women
Breastfeeding & Scuba Diving
Women and Diving Medical Problems
Breastfeeding and diving - does this mix - any hidden dangers? - BSAC Scuba Diving Forums

It seems that other than discomfort and dehydration, there are no known health issues.

Hope this helps someone in the future.