About Breastfeeding > Medications and Breastfeeding

Although recent studies suggest that the number of women who choose to breastfeed is rising, the number of women who discontinue breastfeeding in order to take medication is significant. Surveys in Western countries indicate that 90-99 percent of women who breastfeed will receive a medication during the first week post partum (Bennett, 1969). Other studies suggest that the use of medication is one of the major reasons why women discontinue breastfeeding prematurely.

It is not surprising; therefore, that one of the most common questions encountered in pediatrics is concerning the use of various drugs during lactation. Despite the known risks involved with formula feeding, many physicians advise the mother to discontinue breastfeeding. Unfortunately, discontinuing breastfeeding is often the wrong decision and most mothers could easily continue to breastfeed their infants and take the medication without harm to her infant.

However, the risk of taking a medication is not always clear and new medications are being introduced daily so it is sometimes difficult to ascertain which drugs are less harmful.

Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding but if your family physician has concern regarding a particular drug, a safe alternative can usually be found. Most drugs will pass into the milk but the amount is relatively small; usually around 1-2%.Over the counter medications are generally compatible with breastfeeding but it is always advisable to check with your family healthcare provider before starting any medications.

Drugs that do not pass through the mother’s bloodstream such as non-absorbable laxatives and topical treatments will not affect the baby. Also, large molecule drugs such as heparin and insulin do not pass into breastmilk.

www.motherisk.org and www.e-lactancia.org are reliable on-line resources for checking drug and breastfeeding compatibilities.