Question:

I have a 5 week old that I am breastfeeding. Is it ok to donate a kidney while breastfeeding?

Answer:

To my knowledge breastfeeding itself is not a contraindication to donating a kidney. However, the kidney donation surgery will require some rehabilitation time (minimum of 4 weeks) during which it would be difficult to take care of the infant. Moreover, the stress of the surgery might alter the production of milk. Most transplant centers would recommend that you wait several months (6 to 12) before proceeding with donation, and then only if you have help to care for the baby and perhaps an alternative plan for feeding the infant.

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic.