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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. Healthcare providers should encourage continued breastfeeding, supported by resources like the Drugs and Lactation Database for risk-benefit analysis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Breast milk is recognized as the optimal nutrition for infants.
- Many common medications are considered safe for use by breastfeeding mothers.
- Understanding drug transfer into breast milk is crucial for infant safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform healthcare providers and breastfeeding mothers about medication safety.
- To provide guidance on risk-benefit analysis for drug use during lactation.
- To highlight the importance of continued breastfeeding when possible.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug excretion into human milk.
- Analysis of data from comprehensive drug safety databases.
- Consultation with experts in pharmacology and pediatrics.
Main Results:
- The majority of medications result in subclinical infant exposure.
- Maternal medication use does not frequently necessitate breastfeeding cessation.
- The Drugs and Lactation Database offers extensive safety information.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding can often be safely continued even when mothers require medication.
- Informed decision-making regarding maternal medication use is supported by available resources.
- Continued breastfeeding offers significant health benefits to the infant.
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