Milk Donation and Medications

Our team here at Mother’s Milk Bank is often asked about medications that are compatible with human milk donation. While most prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally safe with breastfeeding, many medications are restricted with human milk donation for a few reasons.  First, the majority of our recipients either medically fragile newborns or premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and their immature bodies may not be able to metabolize medications as well as a healthy, robust, full-term infant. Additionally, many of these babies may be on medications of their own, so we do not want any trace medications in the milk to interact or interfere with their medications. Most importantly, we are not there to observe our recipients for any kind of adverse reaction to medications.  When a breastfeeding parent and baby are in a one-on-one relationship, the baby can be easily observed for any adverse reactions to a medication that their parent is taking, and immediate action can be taken to change the medication if needed.

The good news is, there are many medications that are compatible with donation, and several others only require a temporary deferral while the donor is taking them. Plus, milk pumped during the time before the medication was started and after it was stopped is eligible for donation in most cases. Keep in mind however, that some medications require longer deferral times. Our Donor Relations team is happy to answer any questions about medication and milk donation.