Medications and breastfeeding
Most prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe for the breastfeeding mother. There is often inconsistent advice provided to mothers about the safety of continuing to breastfeed when taking medications. Only around 1% of maternal medication is usually present in breast milk.
The National Prescribing Service website and medicines line 1300 633 424 (local call charge), provides information about medications.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) is a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effects on breastfed infants and on lactation, and alternate drugs to consider.
Prescription medications and breastfeeding
- Any medications taken by a breastfeeding mother may pass into the milk.
- Medications are given a ‘safety’ rating for breastfeeding.
- Most medications prescribed by a health professional do not need to be avoided.
- Mothers should tell the doctor or pharmacist that they are breastfeeding.
- Mothers should feed baby just before taking medication.
Over-the-counter medications and breastfeeding
- Any medications taken by a breastfeeding mother may pass into the milk
- Paracetamol, when taken as directed, is safe for breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding mothers should avoid any cold or flu tablets containing pseudoephridine and phenylephrine. These can make baby unsettled. Pseudoephridine has been known to decrease milk supply.
- Mothers should feed baby just before taking medication.
Complementary and alternative medicines and breastfeeding
- Any medications taken by a breastfeeding mother may pass into the milk.
- Complementary and alternative medicines can be purchased without prescription from pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets.
- Some complementary and alternative medicines may not be recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Illegal drugs and breastfeeding
- The priority in recommendations about illegal drug use and breastfeeding is the safety of the baby.
- Individual circumstances need to be considered when making recommendations to mothers about using substances and breastfeeding their babies.
- For further information ask a health professional for advice.
The document National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Drug Use During Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Development Years of the Newborn is a nationally agreed clinical guideline intended to support health care workers who care for women with drug and alcohol use issues.
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