Healthy pregnancy hub

Which medication should I avoid while breastfeeding?

During breastfeeding, certain substances can be transmitted through breast milk. The amount and effects on the baby vary depending on the medication. Some medications, which may pose a higher risk to the baby, are generally to be avoided. This includes, for example, anticancer drugs and immunosuppressants.

Some medications can decrease milk production and are not recommended, especially for young infants such as: 

If you wish to breastfeed, consult your healthcare professional to see if your medication is compatible with breastfeeding. They are the best people to give you personalized advice tailored to your situation.

If you need to take a medication that is not recommended while breastfeeding, don’t worry. You can temporarily stop breastfeeding. During this time, you can feed your baby with stored breast milk, donated milk, or infant formula. To maintain your milk supply, it is recommended to pump and discard your milk until the medication is fully eliminated from your body. Once this process is complete, you can safely resume breastfeeding.

It is important to discuss any concerns about medications and breastfeeding with your healthcare team to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.