I do not know for certain that there are no contraindications for
breastfeeding and diving, however from what I do know of the physiology of
diving, I am not aware of anything that would cause a specific problem
outside of the normal risks of diving.

In a nutshell:  Air is made up of approx 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen
(roughly).  The oxygen is metabolised.  The nitrogen (inert gas) under
pressure dissolves in the bloodstream and is taken up in the tissues (the
amount varies by time/length of dive, depth/pressure, and tissue).  I
assume, then, it could also be present in the milk, but I doubt this is of
any concern.

As pressure reduces (upon ascent), the nitrogen comes out of solution.  If
this happens slowly, it is exhaled and all is fine.  If it happens too
quickly, bubbles can form which cause "decompression sickness" - a serious
concern for *any* diver.  (Imagine shaking a bottle of carbonated drink and
opening it quickly.)

The nitrogen in the fat tissues takes the longest to clear, so the risk of
decompression sickness is greatest in bodies high in fat tissue.  Also,
dehydration is a factor in decompression sickness.  So hydration would be
important (again, for *any* diver).

The nitrogen that *might* be in the milk after a dive (probably very
little) would not be a decompression risk for the baby because it's in the
digestive system, not the circulatory system.

Perhaps, also, the fit of the gear could possibly contribute to mastitis,
like a tight bra might.  (snug wetsuit, heavy backpack)

I would caution any diver (lactating or not) to take her dive training,
experience, and fitness level into consideration when planning her dives.

A woman should *NOT* dive while pregnant.  The risks to the fetus are great.

For more expert advice regarding the physiology of diving, please phone
Divers Alert Network (a non-profit organization based at Duke University
Medical Center in the US specifically for diving medicine information)
919-684-2948.



Susan Horein, LLLL
Madison Area Concert Handbells (MACH)
Wisconsin, USA
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