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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neonatal benzodiazepines exposure during breastfeeding
Lauren E Kelly1, Shirley Poon, Parvaz Madadi
1Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Breastfeeding while taking benzodiazepines is safe for infants. Few infants experienced sedation, and it was not linked to dosage or breastfeeding duration, supporting continued postpartum recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed postpartum.
- Concerns exist regarding infant exposure through breast milk.
- Limited data on adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate central nervous system depression and other adverse effects in infants exposed to benzodiazepines via breast milk.
- To assess the safety of benzodiazepine use during lactation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study design.
- Retrospective assessment of mothers contacting the Motherisk program.
- Follow-up on infants exposed to benzodiazepines during lactation.
Main Results:
- 124 mothers participated; 1.6% of infants showed sedation.
- No association found between infant sedation and benzodiazepine dose, breastfeeding duration, or demographics.
- Mothers reporting adverse effects were more likely to use multiple CNS depressants.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding while taking benzodiazepines postpartum is supported.
- Low incidence of infant sedation suggests a favorable safety profile.
- Continued recommendation for breastfeeding during postpartum benzodiazepine therapy.
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