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Balancing the Use of Medications while Breastfeeding
Elizabeth Masotti1, Patricia Chess1
1The Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine, and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
Clinics in Perinatology
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Most medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, with typically subclinical doses transferred to infant milk. Continuing breastfeeding is often recommended, supported by resources like the Drugs and Lactation Database for risk-benefit analysis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Lactation
Background:
- Breast milk is recognized as the optimal nutrition for infants.
- Many common medications are deemed safe for use by breastfeeding mothers.
- Understanding drug transfer into breast milk is crucial for infant safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an improved understanding of maternal and infant medication exposure during breastfeeding.
- To enhance risk-benefit analysis for medications taken by lactating women.
- To highlight resources for evaluating medication safety in breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on medication transfer into breast milk.
- Analysis of existing databases and clinical guidelines.
- Synthesis of information on drug excretion and infant exposure levels.
Main Results:
- The majority of medications are compatible with breastfeeding.
- Drug concentrations in breast milk are frequently subclinical.
- Maternal advice to continue breastfeeding is often appropriate.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding can usually be maintained even when mothers require medication.
- Comprehensive resources like the Drugs and Lactation Database are vital for informed decision-making.
- Further research can refine risk-benefit assessments for specific drug-infant dyads.
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