Medicines taken by breastfeeding mothers may pass into breast milk, usually in SMALL quantities and RARELY affects breastfed babies.

Good news is that MOST medications are COMPATIBLE with breastfeeding.

According to Thomas Hale, in his book entitled Medications and Mother’s Milk, it is stated that- It is SELDOM required that a breastfeeding mother discontinue breastfeeding, just to take a medication.

Here are some factors to consider when taking a medication if you’re breastfeeding:

How old is the breastfeeding child? Is he healthy?

– You need to be more cautious when taking medicine if baby is premature, newborn or with any health problems-because of their immature/poorly functioning kidneys.

How much breastmilk does your child get?

– A baby or child who is eating other foods in addition to breastmilk will be getting less of the medication that passes into the breastmilk.

Does the medication have a record of safely being given DIRECTLY to babies/children?

– The amount of medication that passes into breastmilk will normally be significantly lower than that given directly to young children.

Can the medicine affect milk production?

Eg: medicines containing Pseudoephedrine

Please discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks associated with medication you have been prescribed.

Have you ever been told to stop breastfeeding when taking a particular medication?