by Iris W

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

It is widely known that breastfeeding is a highly recognized method for feeding baby as breast milk provides the baby with numerous nourishment and protections from diseases (with exceptions where the mother is taking drugs or are infected with serious illness like HIV). Obviously, the more healthy food and nutrition the nursing mother consumes, the better it will be for the infant since it will pass to the infant through breastfeeding. So logically, any drugs (medicinal or otherwise) a nursing mother takes would also be passed to the baby.

In a situation where the mother does not need any prescription drugs, that would be perfect. But what if she (i.e. a woman with pre-existing illness) does need it? What are the risks to the nursing baby?

The fact is, nearly all drugs pass into human milk, but they all appear in very small percentages - about 1% or less. Over the years, most of the over-the-counter drugs have been developed and revised so to be compatible for breastfeeding mothers as pregnant women take an average of 3 - 5 prescription drugs during pregnancy in the United States every year. So the risks of taking prescribed drugs while breastfeeding is minimal, but for safety's sake, you should consider the following when taking the medications (preferably with doctor's advice).

1) Type of drugs

The drugs excreted into milk depend on its type. For example, lipid soluble drugs pass more freely into breast milk than water soluble drugs. Non-protein-bound and non-ionized are more likely to transfer into breast milk. You should ask your health provider about the details of the drugs and ask how it might affect the breast milk. Also, inquire about the drugs' history of compatibility with other pregnant women to find out its effectiveness.

It goes without saying that any recreational drugs should be avoided at all cost, as they pose more harm than a medicinal drugs and it would make you a VERY irresponsible mother. That means no alcohol, no cigarettes, and no marijuana.

2) Your baby's age, weight, health

Older babies can eliminate or metabolize the drugs from his/her body easier and faster than a newborn. It is the same case with a baby with higher weight. The baby should also be generally healthy enough, with no health complications. A baby born full-term is more likely to be able to fight off the effects of drugs compared to a baby born pre-mature.

3) Your baby's milk consumption

Naturally, the more the baby breast feeds, the higher percentage of drugs that will pass through to him/her, as opposed to a baby who does not breast feeds exclusively.

4) Frequency of your drug intake

The more frequent you take your medication, the higher dosages of drugs will run in your body and so, there will be higher chances of them passing to your baby. Schedule your drug intake to allow the minimal exposure to your baby, like taking them after breastfeeding instead of before.

5) Method of receiving drugs/medication

Drugs taken through the means of injection or by mouth will have less concentration than when given intravenously, because then the drug goes straight into the blood vessels. However, this would also depend of the type of drug. Again, consult your health provider.

6) Need and urgency of medication

Finally, analyze the need of the medication? Consider the alternatives like non-drug treatment or delaying medications until the baby is older and more mature. The last 'safe-proof' would be to discontinue the breastfeeding.

Lastly, it's important to regularly monitor the baby's reaction during the breastfeeding period to see if the medication is affecting him/her.

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