From the Research
Snake venom does not typically enter breast milk in significant amounts, and nursing mothers can generally continue breastfeeding safely after receiving appropriate medical treatment for the snakebite. The primary concern following a snakebite is the mother's health, as severe envenomation can cause systemic effects that might indirectly impact milk production or the ability to breastfeed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Snake venom consists of large protein molecules that do not easily pass from the bloodstream into breast milk. Additionally, even if minute traces were to enter the milk, the digestive system of the infant would break down these proteins, rendering them harmless.
Key Considerations
- The mother should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers that she is breastfeeding.
- Antivenom treatment for the mother is considered compatible with breastfeeding and should not be delayed if needed.
- The effectiveness of snake antivenom in treating venom-induced consumption coagulopathy is controversial, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy 5.
- The digestive system of the infant would break down any proteins from the snake venom that might enter the breast milk, rendering them harmless.
Recommendations
- Nursing mothers who have been bitten by a venomous snake should continue breastfeeding safely after receiving appropriate medical treatment.
- Healthcare providers should prioritize the mother's health and provide antivenom treatment if necessary, without delaying it due to breastfeeding concerns.
- Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of snake antivenom in treating venom-induced consumption coagulopathy and its potential impact on breastfeeding mothers.