Medications & Breastfeeding
With 75% of mothers initiating breastfeeding in the hospital, medical providers have an obligation to understand the true risks of a mother’s medication use during breastfeeding. Reading the manufacturer's information would suggest that most medications are not safe during lactation. However, only small amounts of medication are generally transferred into breastmilk, so infant effects are rare. Medical providers require sound medical evidence, rather than manufacturers' fears of litigation, on which to base their prescribing decisions. Mothers deserve explanations in layman’s terms and based on science to know that they can disregard the manufacturer’s published warnings. Fortunately, several dedicated resources included in the following list summarize and catalogue the available evidence base.
Reassurances above do
not substitute for individualized drug safety information from a
clinician consulting a reliable source such as those listed below.
Breastfeeding Pharmacology Resources
LactMed
A peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. The fully searchable database also includes herbal remedies and drugs of abuse. Provided through the United States National Library of Medicine, Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET).
Medications and Mothers's Milk (Thomas W. Hale, RPh, PhD)
Provides articles and information on breastfeeding and medication use.
The Lactation Study Line, University of Rochester (Ruth A. Lawrence, MD) (585) 275-0088
For physicians and lactation consultants. Also provides general breastfeeding information.
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Newport Hospital Pharmacy (401) 845-1566
For physicians and lactation consultants. 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily.
Women & Infants Hospital Warm-Line (800) 711-7011
Leave a message and an RN/IBCLC will return your call within 1 hour.
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Yale-New Haven Hospital Drug Information Services (203) 688-2248
Leave a message and a pharmacist will return your call.
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. The fully searchable database also includes herbal remedies and drugs of abuse. Provided through the United States National Library of Medicine, Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET).
Medications and Mothers's Milk (Thomas W. Hale, RPh, PhD)
Provides articles and information on breastfeeding and medication use.
The Lactation Study Line, University of Rochester (Ruth A. Lawrence, MD) (585) 275-0088
For physicians and lactation consultants. Also provides general breastfeeding information.
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Newport Hospital Pharmacy (401) 845-1566
For physicians and lactation consultants. 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily.
Women & Infants Hospital Warm-Line (800) 711-7011
Leave a message and an RN/IBCLC will return your call within 1 hour.
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Yale-New Haven Hospital Drug Information Services (203) 688-2248
Leave a message and a pharmacist will return your call.
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
These listings serve as a resource rather than as an endorsement by the Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition.
