What’s Safe While Breastfeeding

What you eat, drink, and take can pass into your breast milk. This includes medicines and other substances. Read on to understand what's safe and what to avoid while breastfeeding.

Medicines

Most over-the-counter and prescription medicines are safe while breastfeeding. This includes birth control and cold medicine.

Ask WIC staff or your health care provider about any medicine you're taking.

Caffeine

Caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks can pass into your milk and may make your baby fussy.

If your baby seems fussy, try cutting back on caffeine to see if it helps.

Alcohol

Alcohol passes from your blood into your milk. It's best to avoid beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks while breastfeeding.

Have questions? Talk to your health care provider or lactation consultant.

Tobacco, Vaping, and E-Cigarettes

Nicotine passes into your milk and can cause health problems for your baby. Quitting these products is the safest choice for your baby.

If you can't quit, keep breastfeeding and:

• Use these products as little as possible.
• Use right after you finish breastfeeding.
• Only use outside. Ask family and friends to do the same.
• Never use these products in your car.
• Change your clothes and wash your hands before touching your baby.

Find support to quit:

• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
• Get support in English or in Spanish.

Street Drugs and Marijuana

Don't breastfeed if you use street drugs like heroin, speed, or meth, or if you use marijuana.

Want support to quit?

• Call the Crisis Call Center at 1-800-450-9530.
• Visit sobermomshealthybabies.org.

HIV/AIDS

If you or your partner is HIV positive or has AIDS, don't breastfeed your baby.

If you think you may have HIV/AIDS or are at risk, talk to your health care provider and get tested.

You’re Not Alone

If you're not sure whether something is safe while breastfeeding, talk to WIC staff, a lactation consultant, or your health care provider. They can help you make the best choice for you and your baby.