LactMed: Safe Medications for Breastfeeding Mothers

When you're breastfeeding, every pill, drop, or supplement you take matters—not just for you, but for your baby. That’s where LactMed, a free, science-backed database from the National Library of Medicine that tells you which drugs are safe to use while breastfeeding. Also known as the LactMed database, it’s updated daily by experts who review real studies on how medications move through breast milk and affect infants. You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to rely on outdated advice from forums or well-meaning relatives. LactMed gives you clear, evidence-based answers: which drugs are low-risk, which ones to avoid, and how to time doses to minimize exposure.

It’s not just about the drug itself—it’s about how it behaves in your body and your baby’s. For example, some medications like ibuprofen or certain antidepressants pass into milk in tiny amounts and are generally safe. Others, like certain chemotherapy drugs or radioactive compounds, are outright dangerous. LactMed breaks this down by drug name, dose, timing, and even infant age. It also links to other tools like Hale’s classification system, so you can cross-check findings. If you’re taking something for anxiety, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues, LactMed tells you if it’s compatible with nursing—or if you need a swap. And it doesn’t stop at prescriptions. It includes herbal supplements, vitamins, and even over-the-counter cold meds that might seem harmless but can lower your milk supply or make your baby fussy.

What makes LactMed different is that it’s built for real-life use. It doesn’t just say "safe" or "not safe." It explains why. It tells you how much of the drug ends up in milk, how long it stays there, and what symptoms to watch for in your baby—like drowsiness, irritability, or poor feeding. It’s used by lactation consultants, OB-GYNs, and pharmacists who work with nursing moms daily. And because it’s free and online, you can check it anytime, whether you’re at the hospital, on your phone during a late-night feed, or sitting in the pediatrician’s office.

Below, you’ll find a collection of articles that tie directly into what LactMed covers. From how drugs transfer into breast milk to which psychotropics are safest, from avoiding dangerous interactions to understanding what your provider should know before prescribing—you’ll find practical, no-fluff guidance. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re real stories, real data, and real solutions for moms who want to keep nursing without compromising their health or their baby’s.