We gathered a few resources for general information on medication while breastfeeding.
A common reason for the cessation of breastfeeding or using expressed milk is the use of medication by the lactating parent with the advice from their physician to stop nursing. However, most drugs likely have no effect on milk supply or infant well-being.1 It is true that almost any drug that is present in the blood will transfer into human milk to some extent but most medications only do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants.
When termination of breastfeeding is recommended, the risks of not breastfeeding also need to be considered.2
Below is information from Infant RisCenter with a few commonly used medications.
There are exceptions, though, in which drugs can become concentrated in breastmilk. As a result, every medication must be considered separately. The apps below can help with finding more in-depth information about specific medications while breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding Network (UK)
- InfantRisk Phone App
- Lactmed, a toxicology data network
- e-lactantia (Spanish)
- Lareb (Dutch)
Please disclose all medications, drugs, and vaccinations to recipients and discuss concerns with a healthcare provider.
For more information, see also Vaccines and Herbs, vitamins and other supplements.
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