Yes, you technically can take aspirin while breastfeeding, but hold on a moment before reaching for that pill bottle. Even though it's a common over-the-counter medication, aspirin is generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks 1 for the baby.
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, can pass into breast milk in small amounts and potentially impact the nursing child. The big concern here is a rare but serious condition known as Reye's syndrome 2 , which can affect the brain and liver and is associated with aspirin use in children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics 3 suggests breastfeeding moms to steer clear of aspirin when possible. If you're dealing with pain or a fever, safer alternatives like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually recommended instead.
As always, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider before taking any medications.
