| Category | Things to think about if you are breastfeeding |
| Birth control | - Progestin-only forms of birth control are generally the best choice while breastfeeding. These include the progestin-only pill ("minipill"), implant, and IUD. You might want to wait to start these until after breastfeeding is going well.
- Birth control that does not contain hormones, like the copper IUD, can also be used while breastfeeding.
- Estrogen-containing pills, patches, or rings might affect milk supply and are not recommended.
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| Allergy and cold medicines | - Allergy medicines such as loratadine (brand name: Claritin) and cetirizine (brand name: Zyrtec) can be used while breastfeeding.
- Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (sample brand name: Sudafed) and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (sample brand name: Benadryl) might affect your milk supply. Antihistamines might also make your baby sleepy.
- Check labels. Many non-prescription cold medicines contain antihistamines. These should not be used while breastfeeding.
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| Medicines for depression or anxiety | - These medicines generally can be used while breastfeeding if needed.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure that you are on the best treatment for your situation.
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| Thyroid medicines | - If you take medicine for your thyroid, talk to your doctor. Safety during breastfeeding depends on the medicine you take and why you take it.
- For hypothyroidism, levothyroxine (sample brand name: Synthroid) is safe in prescribed doses.
- For hyperthyroidism, methimazole is safer than propylthiouracil.
- If you need treatment with radioactive iodine treatment, this is not safe during breastfeeding.
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| Sleep medicines | - It is best to avoid "sleep aids" while breastfeeding. These medicines can make your baby tired and less alert. They can also make it harder for you to care for your baby.
- This includes over-the-counter sleep aids or medicines with "PM" in the name (sample brand names: Tylenol PM, Advil PM). Some types can also affect your milk supply.
- Dietary supplements meant to help with sleep, including melatonin, are not always safe or proven to be safe. If you feel that you need a sleep aid, talk to your doctor.
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| Blood pressure medicines | - These are generally safe to use while breastfeeding. For some medicines, less is known about breastfeeding safety.
- Talk to your doctor about the specific medicine you take.
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| Diabetes medicines | - Insulin and metformin are safe to take while breastfeeding. The dose you need to manage your blood sugar might change after you give birth. Work with your doctor to adjust your doses if needed.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, especially if you are taking medicines other than insulin or metformin for diabetes or weight control.
- For some medicines, there is limited information about safety during breastfeeding.
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| Medicines for pain, including postpartum pain, headaches, and migraines | - Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) and ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) are generally safe.
- Do not take codeine, tramadol, or meperidine while breastfeeding. These are "opioid" medicines sometimes prescribed for pain. Other opioids are preferred if needed for severe pain.
- Do not take aspirin while breastfeeding, unless your doctor has talked to you about low doses for specific health conditions.
- Medicines that include caffeine or metoclopramide might have side effects.
- Some migraine medicines should not be used during breastfeeding. If you take medicines for migraines, talk to your doctor.
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| Herbs, supplements, and other "natural" products | - Use caution. In most countries, including the US, these products are not regulated by the government like standard medicines.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before trying these, especially if you are breastfeeding.
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