Substance misuse

Problem drug and alcohol use

Parents who have a substance misuse problem can have unpredictable lifestyles and can find it hard to recognise and respond to their child’s needs, putting them at a greater risk of harm.

Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can lead to social problems, mental and physical illness and legal issues for both you and your child.

You can be separated from your child if you have dependency issues with drugs and alcohol.

Breastfeeding and medicines

Most medicines can be taken when you are breastfeeding with no risk of harming your baby.

It is best to talk to your doctor, midwife, dentist or health visitor about any medicines you might have to take so that they can give you advice on what’s best to do.

Small amounts of any medicine can pass through you and into your baby through breast milk, but these are very small amounts and there are very few medicines that are not recommended, these are:

  • Codeine phosphate
  • Decongestants that come as tables, liquids or powders that you swallow
  • Some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a doctor before using these
  • Aspirin for pain relief
  • Herbal remedies – not enough is known about herbal remedies to guarantee that they are safe

Talk to a GP or pharmacist before taking antihistamines for allergies. Do not stop taking prescribed medicines without talking to a doctor.

For more information:

Illegal drugs and breastfeeding

It is dangerous to take illegal drugs while you are breastfeeding, just as it is dangerous when you are not.

They affect your ability to look after your baby safely and the drugs will pass through your milk and into your baby. You will not be alert to your baby’s needs and you could smother or drop them.

If you are using them and you are breastfeeding, it is really important to stop, and talk to your doctor.

If you do take drugs when you are breastfeeding, you need to express your milk in the following 24 hours and throw it away. Do not give this milk to your baby.

Alcohol and breastfeeding

Alcohol can pass into your breast milk and into your baby when you feed them.

It is okay to have an occasional drink however it is recommended that after having a drink you wait for at least two hours before breastfeeding.

Drinking above the recommended amounts of alcohol can be damaging to both you and your baby. Drinking too much can lower the amount of milk you produce, and can cause sleep, growth and developmental issues in your baby.

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Substance misuse

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