Navigate postpartum recovery by addressing mental and physical self-care. Learn key aspects such as...
Read MoreBreast milk provides vital nutrition and immune support, but anything you eat, drink or take as medicine can pass into your milk and potentially affect your baby.
Below are the most important foods, drinks and medications to be careful about while breastfeeding, so you can make choices that protect your baby and keep feeding as stress-free as possible.
Alcohol
“Alcohol passes into breast milk in similar concentrations to your blood, so regular or heavy drinking can affect your baby’s sleep and development,” said Susan Thomas, R.N., a certified lactation consultant with Inspira Health. “The safest choice is to avoid alcohol while nursing.” If you choose to have a drink, plan ahead: “a good rule of thumb is to wait 2 hours for each drink consumed” before you breastfeed or pump again, according to Hale’s (2023) “Medications and Mothers’ Milk.”
Fish and mercury
Fish are a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development, but some types contain more mercury than others. Large predatory fish, such as swordfish and certain types of tuna, tend to have higher mercury levels. Mercury can be passed through breast milk. Choose low-mercury fish, such as salmon, trout or tilapia, and follow guidance about portion sizes and variety.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
“Most prescription medications and many over-the-counter drugs are compatible with breastfeeding, yet some medications may pose risks or require monitoring,” said Thomas. “Don’t start, stop or change a medication without checking with your obstetrician, pediatrician or lactation consultant so they can weigh benefits and risks and suggest safer alternatives as needed.”
Tobacco, e-cigarettes and marijuana
Tobacco, e-cigarettes and marijuana expose babies to nicotine and other chemicals and can reduce milk production, increase irritability and raise long-term developmental risks. If you use these products and want to stop, speak with your health care team for support and cessation resources that protect both you and your infant.
Herbal supplements and natural products
Just because something is labeled as natural doesn’t make it automatically safe during breastfeeding. Many herbal supplements and specialty weight-loss or energy products aren’t well-studied and can contain active compounds that reach your baby. Treat these products as medications, and talk to your doctor before taking them.
Caffeine
“Moderate caffeine intake is usually fine while breastfeeding, but large amounts can cause irritability or sleep trouble in some infants,” said Thomas. “For most people, limiting caffeine to the approximate equivalent of two or three cups of coffee a day is unlikely to cause problems, but watch your baby for changes in sleep or fussiness if you increase your intake.”
Breastfeeding doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods and drinks you love, but it does mean thinking twice before introducing a new substance into your body. To keep your baby safe, you can:
- Create a simple medication checklist to keep track of any prescriptions you take
- Save a few ounces of expressed milk before trying a new product
- Asking your doctor to look up a medication’s breastfeeding safety profile
Small adjustments, such as choosing a lower-mercury fish or spacing a single alcoholic drink well before a feeding, can help you feel more confident without sacrificing convenience. If you're ever unsure about a food or medication, check with your obstetrician, pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
Inspira’s in-house lactation specialists are available six days a week to help parents and caregivers navigate feeding questions and medication concerns.
