Unfinished working document — do not publish.
Whether a medicine is compatible with breastfeeding depends on its active ingredient, dose, treatment duration, route of administration, and the baby's age and health. A brand name alone is not always enough to provide appropriate advice.
Why a general answer is not enough
Whether a medicine is compatible with breastfeeding depends on its active ingredient, dose, treatment duration, route of administration, and the baby's age and health. A brand name alone is not always enough to provide appropriate advice.
Before taking or stopping a medicine
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are breastfeeding, your baby's age, whether they were born prematurely, and all medicines you are taking. Do not stop a prescribed treatment without medical advice: leaving a mother's condition untreated can also have consequences.
How healthcare professionals check
Specialist references assess how much of a substance passes into breast milk, clinical evidence in infants and alternative treatments. CRAT and LactMed are useful resources for this assessment, but consulting them does not replace personalised professional advice.
Over-the-counter medicines and herbal products
Non-prescription medicines, supplements, essential oils and herbal remedies are not automatically risk-free. A lack of information does not mean a product is compatible. Check before using it.
If a treatment is incompatible
Ask whether an appropriate alternative is available, whether the timing can be adjusted, or whether a temporary interruption is truly necessary. How to maintain milk production depends on the duration and circumstances and requires individual advice.
When should you seek advice?
Seek prompt advice if your baby shows unusual drowsiness, difficulty feeding, abnormal breathing or other worrying symptoms after exposure to a medicine. In case of respiratory distress, call emergency services.
Leave a comment: