MEDS AND BREASTFEEDING

"I'm on a new medication; should I stop nursing?"

By Barbara L. Philipp, MD, FAAP, and Anne Merewood, MA

Is it possible to be too cautious about prescribing medication to a breastfeeding patient? Absolutely. Two experts in this area provide an informed, balanced perspective.

About nine out of every 10 breastfeeding women are prescribed some type of medication during their first week postpartum.¹ It should come as no surprise to discover that many of these women worry about whether these drugs will harm their nursing infant. Unfortunately, all too often that concern translates into noncompliance, unnecessary weaning, or complete avoidance of breastfeeding.^2,3 One report suggests that half of all mothers are more reluctant to take medication while nursing than during their pregnancy.⁴

In our experience, clinicians— and many of the resources they turn to—are too cautious when providing advice on breastfeeding and medications. It's important to remember that

• A baby may not accept "temporary weaning." In fact, he or she may stop feeding altogether.

• Mothers should balance short-term concerns over medication with the longer-term health risks of formula feeding.

• Women are often advised against breastfeeding even when the medication of concern is actually approved for use in infants.

• Weaning, even temporarily, is traumatic for both mother and baby.