New Study Reveals Flawed Guidance on Medication Use During Breastfeeding Encourages Unnecessary Cessation

A recent investigation conducted by researchers from the University of Bath highlights a concerning trend of conflicting and overly cautious advice regarding medications and breastfeeding. Despite extensive evidence supporting the safety and health benefits of breastfeeding, many women on medications are being advised to cease breastfeeding—sometimes without valid reasons. This study, published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, shows that concerns about drug safety during breastfeeding are significant factors in women’s decisions to stop, but much of the caution is unwarranted. Many medications that prompt these warnings have either been shown to do no harm in limited studies or are considered to pose minimal risk, often outweighed by the benefits of breastfeeding.

The research estimates that up to 18% of women needing medication stop breastfeeding because of it, with this percentage rising to 58% among women with chronic health conditions. Supporting this, a survey by Public Health England found that 71% of 500 UK mothers believed that breastfeeding could prevent them from taking necessary medications. The study examined data from seven countries across Europe and North America over the last twenty years. It was partly inspired by the lead author's personal experiences as a breastfeeding mother and pharmacist, prompting questions about the accuracy of advice given to women in similar situations.

While healthcare authorities worldwide promote breastfeeding—UK guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continuing along with solid foods until at least one year—the UK still exhibits relatively low breastfeeding rates. Only 49% of mothers breastfeed at six to eight weeks postpartum, with just 1% exclusively breastfeeding at six months, according to a 2010 survey. International statistics reveal even lower exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months in countries like the US (27.2%), Canada (38%), and Australia (37.5%).

A significant issue lies in the limited clinical trial data on medications’ safety during breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are often excluded from drug trials, resulting in sparse information that leads to precautionary labeling. Resources like the British National Formulary (BNF) tend to advise against certain medications during breastfeeding—not necessarily because they are proven unsafe, but due to insufficient evidence—causing healthcare professionals and women to err on the side of caution.

Alarmingly, an evaluation of the UK-based Drugs in Breast Milk Service found that 21% of mothers seeking advice were instructed to stop breastfeeding, despite 98% of these recommendations being incorrect. Most women received this advice without consultation from healthcare professionals, often turning to social media or peer support groups instead. This disconnect underscores a widespread over-caution that results in unnecessary breastfeeding cessation.

Both the lead researcher and colleagues acknowledge the difficulties clinicians face, citing that verifying safety advice can be extremely time-consuming. The current conservative stance, particularly in official references, can inadvertently promote misinformation. The authors advocate for better, evidence-based guidance to support women in balancing medication safety with breastfeeding benefits.

Looking ahead, the researcher Rachel Pilgrim plans to develop accessible resources aimed at both healthcare providers and women to improve communication and confidence in breastfeeding while medicated. Such efforts intend to correct misconceptions and encourage continued breastfeeding, benefiting both mother and child.

Supporting high-quality research and clear communication is crucial in closing this evidence gap, ultimately enabling more women to make informed choices about breastfeeding and medication use. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of protecting and promoting maternal and infant health through accurate, accessible information.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-flawed-advice-drug-safety-women.html