Breastfeeding and Medicines: What Your Pharmacist Needs to Know

Tell every prescriber

Mention breastfeeding when speaking to your doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Small amounts of some medicines can enter breast milk. Many treatments can be used, but the decision depends on the medicine and the circumstances of you and your baby.

Information to have ready

• The exact product name and ingredients.
• The dose and how often you use it.
• Your baby's age and whether they were born early.
• Any health problems affecting the baby.
• Other prescribed, non-prescription or herbal products you take.

Ask about the whole plan

Ask whether the treatment is suitable, what changes in the baby to watch for and whom to contact with concerns. Do not assume that advice for another parent or another medicine applies to you.

Avoid unnecessary interruption

Seek professional advice before changing prescribed treatment or stopping breastfeeding because of a medicine concern. A pharmacist or clinician can consult specialist references where needed. This article is a consultation checklist, not a recommendation to take or avoid a particular medicine.

Educational information only. Ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own treatment.