Breastfeeding Basics: Breast Milk and Drugs

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants should know how to find accurate information on the use of medications by breastfeeding women.

2. Participants should know the recommendations regarding the use of illicit drugs (including alcohol and smoking) while breastfeeding and should be able to apply this knowledge in their counseling of pregnant women.

Contents of This Module

1. Pre-module Evaluation

2. Prescription Medications and Over the Counter Medications
   • Does the medication pass into the breast milk?
   • If so, what is the effect on the infant?
   • Sources of information on drugs and breast milk.

3. Case Study 28

4. Breastfeeding and Contraception

5. Case Study 29

6. Breast Milk and Herbs

7. Galactogogues in Breastfeeding

8. Breast Milk and Antidepressants

9. Use of Pain Medications in the Breastfeeding Woman

10. Illicit Drugs
    • Cocaine
    • Marijuana
    • Amphetamines
    • Heroin
    • Methadone
    • Phencyclidine (PCP)

11. Alcohol

12. Smoking (Nicotine)

13. Post-module Evaluation

14. References