Breastfeeding & Medications: What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Check
If you’re a breastfeeding parent who needs medication—whether for a headache, infection, or chronic condition—you’re not alone. Nearly half of all nursing parents take at least one prescription or over-the-counter medication.
The good news: most medications are safe during breastfeeding when used appropriately. Understanding how drugs pass into breast milk and how to check them safely empowers you to care for yourself and your baby confidently.
How Medic
ations Enter Breast Milk
Most medicines transfer in small amounts through the bloodstream into breast milk, but very few reach levels that harm infants. Transfer depends on:
The medication’s size and fat solubility
How long it stays in your system
The age and metabolism of your baby
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), very few drugs are truly contraindicated while breastfeeding. (AAP, 2022)
Categories of Medication Safety
Generally safe
Description: Minimal transfer; widely used in lactation
Examples: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, penicillin, insulin
Use with caution
Description: May cause drowsiness or irritability
Examples: Some antidepressants, sedating antihistamines
Avoid or replace
Description: Higher transfer or toxic potential
Examples: Lithium, chemotherapy, radioactive drugs
For most conditions, there is a safer alternative available. Always confirm with your provider before stopping or switching medication.
Reliable Sources for Checking Medication Safety
Skip random internet forums—trust these authoritative sources instead:
LactMed Database (U.S. National Library of Medicine): Comprehensive, regularly updated.
👉 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/InfantRisk Center (Texas Tech University): Offers hotline + app with evidence-based guidance.
CDC Breastfeeding and Medication Info: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
How to Discuss Medication with Your Provider
Bring this checklist to your next appointment:
Medication name, dosage, and frequency
Your baby’s age and feeding pattern
Any previous reactions
Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or supplementing
If your provider is unsure, request they consult LactMed or contact InfantRisk.
Common Medication Topics
Pain relief:
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are first-line options. Avoid aspirin unless directed, as it may increase bleeding risk.
Cold & allergy meds:
Choose single-ingredient formulations (like plain pseudoephedrine-free options). Many “multi-symptom” meds can reduce supply.
Antidepressants:
SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine have well-documented safety data in lactation. (LactMed, 2024)
Antibiotics:
Most are safe—penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides are well-studied.
Herbal supplements:
Use caution—most aren’t FDA-regulated and lack data on safety or milk transfer.
When to Pause or Discard Milk
If you must take a short-term medication that’s unsafe for breastfeeding (e.g., chemotherapy or certain imaging dyes), ask:
How long until it’s out of your system?
Can you pump and store beforehand?
Can you “pump and dump” during treatment to maintain supply?
Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding—but always verify with trusted sources. Informed decisions protect both you and your baby. Unsure if your medication is safe for breastfeeding? Talk to your childs pediatrician and your medical care provider.
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not establish a patient–provider or professional relationship between you and Thrive Lactation Center or Sarah Schooler, RN, BSN, IBCLC.
Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, breastfeeding, or your health. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read here.