Xenobiotics and breastfeeding

Pediatricians are often consulted about the use of medications during breas tfeeding and the risks posed to the infant. Although the vast majority of p rescription medications are safe, risks to the infant may be less well defi ned when maternal drug use involves herbal remedies or substances such as t obacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. A framework for assessing the safety of maternal drug usage during breastfeeding and for minimizing associated risk s to the nursing infant is presented.