Substance Use and Breastfeeding

 

It is best to use caution when taking any medication or drinking alcohol when you are breastfeeding your child. Both of these substances can contaminate your milk and this leads to the possibility of unintentionally passing these harmful substances to your infant.

 

Medications and Breastfeeding

• All medications will enter the breastmilk to a certian degree, however the concentration of the medication in the milk are low (less than 1% of the maternal dose)

• Questions to ask yourself when you are breastfeeding and need to take a medication are:

  • Is this drug necessary?

    • If you are post-partum, can the drug be delayed?

    • Is there a safer alternative that is preferred when breastfeeding?

    • Is this short-term or long-term?

  • Can this drug harm my baby?

    • Is this drug prescribed to infants?

    • Is this drug safe to use during pregnancy?

  • Can this drug affect my milk supply?

    • Some medications will interfere with the production of prolactin and oxytocin, which are necessary for milk production.

    • Some medications will reduce secretions

 

Signs and Symptoms of Infant Response to Drugs

Behavioural changes

Gastrointestinal alterations

Skin rashes