The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics places emphasis on increasing breastfeed ing in the United States. A common reason for the cessation of breastfeedin g is the use of medication by the nursing mother and advice by her physicia n to stop nursing. Such advice may not be warranted. This statement is inte nded to supply the pediatrician, obstetrician, and family physician with da ta, if known, concerning the excretion of drugs into human milk. Most drugs likely to be prescribed to the nursing mother should have no effect on mil k supply or on infant well-being. This information is important not only to protect nursing infants from untoward effects of maternal medication but a lso to allow effective pharmacologic treatment of breastfeeding mothers. Ni cotine, psychotropic drugs, and silicone implants are 3 important topics re viewed in this statement.