How medicines pass into breast milk and affect nursing babies

Researchers want to understand how medications pass into breast milk and how much babies are exposed to when mothers are taking these medicines. Right now, doctors don't have enough information about many common medications—like heart medications, antidepressants, and seizure medications—to confidently tell breastfeeding mothers whether it's safe to keep nursing while taking them. This study will collect breast milk samples from mothers taking various medications to fill that knowledge gap.

Many breastfeeding mothers need to take medications for health conditions, but there isn't enough research on how safe these medicines are in breast milk. Without clear answers, some women stop breastfeeding or avoid treatment they need. This study aims to provide doctors with real-world evidence so they can give mothers confident, evidence-based guidance about whether they can safely breastfeed while on the medication.