Medication use during breastfeeding is rarely a simple “safe or unsafe” decision. Pharmacists must consider the available evidence, factors affecting infant exposure, the parent’s treatment needs, and the individual clinical context.

I developed this educational framework to support a structured approach to lactation-related medication counseling.

For every medicine, consider three questions:

1. Does it enter breast milk?

2. What factors influence infant exposure?

3. What should the pharmacist discuss with the parent?

Then translate the evidence into four professional actions:

ASK about the medicine, parent, infant, and breastfeeding goals.

ASSESS the evidence, treatment needs, and individual risk factors.

ADVISE using clear, compassionate, and evidence-based communication.

REFER when evidence is limited or specialist assessment is needed.

Pharmacists can help breastfeeding parents make informed decisions without unnecessarily interrupting breastfeeding or compromising essential maternal treatment.

How could this framework be integrated into pharmacy education, clinical training, or continuing professional development?

Created by Maram AbdalNasser Taha Shtaya

FIP Academic Pharmacy Section Member | Independent Researcher | Udemy Instructor

Personal Email: maramnassershtaya1994@gmail.com

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