Alcohol, smoking, vaping, drugs and medications while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides many benefits for you and your baby, but you may have questions about whether things you eat, drink or take can affect your breastmilk.

Alcohol, cigarette smoke, vape aerosols, recreational drugs and some medications can affect your baby’s health and wellbeing. If you are breastfeeding, it is safest to avoid alcohol, smoking, vaping and recreational drugs wherever possible. Most commonly used medications, however, can be taken safely while breastfeeding.

Alcohol and breastfeeding

The safest option when breastfeeding is not to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, it is recommended that you limit your intake and plan ahead.

Alcohol passes into breastmilk, and the amount in your milk generally follows the level of alcohol in your blood. As your body processes the alcohol, the amount in your breastmilk decreases.

If you choose to have a drink, timing can help reduce your baby’s exposure. Breastfeeding immediately before drinking, then allowing time for the alcohol to leave your system before the next feed, can be helpful. Raising Children Network recommends waiting around two to three hours for each standard drink before breastfeeding again.

Expressing and discarding breastmilk, sometimes called ‘pumping and dumping’, does not make alcohol leave your breastmilk more quickly. If you have consumed more alcohol than planned, seek advice about when it is safe to breastfeed again.

It is also important to consider your ability to safely care for your baby after drinking alcohol.

Smoking and vaping while breastfeeding

Cigarette smoke and vape aerosols can contain nicotine and other harmful substances, and exposure can increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including SIDS, as well as respiratory illnesses and other health problems. The safest option is not to smoke or vape during pregnancy or around your baby.

Smoking and vaping can also affect breastmilk supply. However, if you smoke or vape, breastfeeding is still considered the best option for your baby. There are steps you can take to reduce your baby’s exposure.

Always smoke or vape outside and keep your home and car smoke- and vape-free. Avoid smoking or vaping for at least an hour before breastfeeding where possible. Smoke and vapour can also remain on your skin, hair and clothing, so wash your hands and consider changing outer clothing before handling your baby.

Encourage family members, friends and other people around your baby not to smoke or vape near them.

If you would like support to stop smoking or vaping, speak with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist, or contact Quitline on 13 78 48.

Recreational drugs and breastfeeding

It is strongly recommended that recreational drugs are avoided while breastfeeding. Drugs can pass into breastmilk, and their effects on a baby can be unpredictable.

It is also important to consider how drug use may affect your ability to safely care for your baby. Some drugs can affect alertness, judgement, coordination and your ability to respond to your baby's needs.

If you have used recreational drugs and are breastfeeding, speak with your doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional for individual advice.

Medications and breastfeeding

Many commonly used medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. However, it is important to check before starting any new medication, including medicines purchased over the counter, herbal products and supplements.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen and many antibiotics can generally be used while breastfeeding, but your doctor or pharmacist can advise whether a particular medication is suitable for you and your baby.

Some medications can affect breastmilk supply or make you drowsy, which may also affect your ability to safely care for your baby. For example, some decongestant medicines used in cold and flu products can reduce milk supply.

Always tell your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional that you are breastfeeding before taking a new medication.

Looking after yourself while breastfeeding

The early months with a newborn can be challenging, and you may have questions about what is safe while breastfeeding. You don't need to navigate these decisions alone.

If you are unsure about alcohol, smoking, vaping, recreational drugs or medication while breastfeeding, speak with your midwife, doctor, pharmacist or child health nurse for advice specific to your circumstances.

For more information about breastfeeding, alcohol, smoking, vaping and medicines, visit the Raising Children Network’s information on breastfeeding.