New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition

NJBFC is dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting all families on their breastfeeding journey.

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Medications & Breastfeeding

Updated January 31, 2025

Questions about over the counter or prescription medications while pregnant or nursing?

Infant Risk Line

InfantRisk is a research center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center dedicated to providing evidence-based information about medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Their team, led by Dr. Thomas Hale, studies the transfer of drugs into breast milk and their potential effects on infants. They offer resources for healthcare providers and parents, including the InfantRisk Center hotline, which provides real-time guidance on medication safety, and the MommyMeds app, which helps parents look up drug safety information.

Call the Infant Risk Hotline Experts. Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CT, (806) 352-2519

Lactmed is a database hosted by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Healthcare providers and families can search for medications and find the latest evidenced based information on the drug and lactation. Your healthcare provider can help interpret the information. See also: https://infantrisk.com/forum/forum/medications-and-breastfeeding-mothers

Trash the Pump & Dump – from IABLE – The Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation Education

Trash the Pump & Dump is an initiative by IABLE (The Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education) aimed at dispelling myths about the need to “pump and dump” breast milk after a parent takes medication, drinks alcohol, or undergoes medical procedures.

MotherToBaby

MotherToBaby is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information about the safety of medications, vaccines, chemicals, and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As part of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), they offer free, expert guidance to both healthcare providers and the general public. Their services include a helpline for personalized risk assessments, a text and chat service for quick inquiries, fact sheets on various substances, and research studies focused on pregnancy and lactation safety. The goal is to help individuals make informed decisions about what is safe during these critical times.

e-lactancia

e-lactancia is a Spanish-language online resource that provides evidence-based information about the safety of medications and other substances during breastfeeding. The platform offers a comprehensive database that helps healthcare providers and breastfeeding parents assess the potential risks of medications, chemicals, and environmental exposures for infants.

*Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications when breastfeeding.

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Search LactMed Database

Search the Drug and Lactation Database (LactMed Database) for drugs and other chemicals breastfeeding mothers may be exposed to.

Upcoming events:

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Membership

Your membership will help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in New Jersey. To join the Coalition, please complete our membership form online. We are a non-profit and flourish on donations. Donations are encouraged but not required for membership. All donations are tax deductible and acknowledgment letters for tax purposes are … Read More »

Get In Touch and Donate

If you are looking for breastfeeding help, please visit zipmilk.org for a list of … Read More »

Breastfeeding is Important

Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Medications and Breastfeeding

​Many breastfeeding women are wrongly advised to stop taking necessary medications or to discontinue nursing because of potential harmful effects on their infants. There are few medications that are “not safe” when breastfeeding. Ask your local lactation consultant then consult with your healthcare provider.

Getting Off to a Good Start

Getting off to a good start can help ensure your breastfeeding success. Find your local breastfeeding support services by visiting Zipmilk.org.

Legal & Privacy Policies

Read Our Legal & Privacy Policies

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Copyright © 2025 · New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition. All rights reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    ▼
    • Mission
    • Trustee Information
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
    • News
  • Navigator Program 2025
  • For Parents
    ▲
    • Find Breastfeeding Help
    • Handouts and links
    • Breastfeeding Friendly Resources for Child Care Providers and Families
    • Employment & Breastfeeding in New Jersey
    • Medications & Breastfeeding
    • Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Designated Hospitals
    • New Jersey Mothers Matter
  • For Healthcare Providers
    ▼
    • Pathway 3 Mentor Database
    • Download Zipmilk Cards/Flyer
  • Legal Rights
    ▼
    • Breastfeeding in Public
    • Breastfeeding and Employment
    • Lactation Laws & Regulations
    • NJ PAID FAMILY LEAVE FOR PREGNANCY, RECOVERY AND BONDING
    • Lactation Support in NJ Hospitals
  • Meetings & Events
    ▼
    • Submit Events and Announcements
    • National Breastfeeding Month
    • Lactation Events and Announcements
    • General Meeting Minutes
    • Trustee Meeting Minutes
    • Black Maternal Health Week
  • Membership
    ▼
    • Committee Descriptions
  • Resources
    ▼
    • Recent New Jersey Breastfeeding Statistics
  • Projects
  • Contact