Can You Take Antibiotics While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Antibiotics While Breastfeeding?

Many antibiotics are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. Antibiotics are frequently used to combat bacterial infections, and while they can pass into breast milk1 , most are present in only low levels and are not harmful to the baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics2  has stated that most antibiotics, including commonly used ones like amoxicillin and penicillin, are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This is backed up by research which found no adverse effects on infants of mothers taking these types of antibiotics.

However, it's always crucial to check with your healthcare provider, as there are some antibiotics that are less studied or might have potential side effects for the baby. These include fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, which are not usually the first choice for breastfeeding mothers.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. J L Mathew "Effect of maternal antibiotics on breast feeding infants"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1742963/pdf/v080p00196.pdf.

  2. Shakun Gupta, MD; Elisa P. Hampton, MD "Maternal Medication Transmission through Human Milk "Jan 27, 2022https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/43/2/119/184649/Maternal-Medication-Transmission-through-Human?redirectedFrom=fulltext?autologincheck=redirected.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Take Antibiotics While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Antibiotics While Breastfeeding?

Many antibiotics are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. Antibiotics are frequently used to combat bacterial infections, and while they can pass into breast milk1 , most are present in only low levels and are not harmful to the baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics2  has stated that most antibiotics, including commonly used ones like amoxicillin and penicillin, are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This is backed up by research which found no adverse effects on infants of mothers taking these types of antibiotics.

However, it's always crucial to check with your healthcare provider, as there are some antibiotics that are less studied or might have potential side effects for the baby. These include fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, which are not usually the first choice for breastfeeding mothers.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. J L Mathew "Effect of maternal antibiotics on breast feeding infants"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1742963/pdf/v080p00196.pdf.

  2. Shakun Gupta, MD; Elisa P. Hampton, MD "Maternal Medication Transmission through Human Milk "Jan 27, 2022https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/43/2/119/184649/Maternal-Medication-Transmission-through-Human?redirectedFrom=fulltext?autologincheck=redirected.


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