Breastfeeding in the setting of substance use

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has released new literature-based recommendations related to breastfeeding in the setting of substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) treatments. The new clinical protocol is published in the peer-reviewed journal Breastfeeding Medicine.

Miriam Harris, MD and Elisha Wachman, MD, from Boston Medical Center, and co-authors, provide breastfeeding recommendations in the setting of non-prescribed opioid, stimulant, sedative-hypnotic, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use, and SUD treatments. They also offer guidance on the use of toxicology testing in breastfeeding recommendations and updated recommendations on breastfeeding initiation timing in the setting of perinatal non-prescribed substance use.

"For specific breastfeeding recommendations, given the complexity of breastfeeding in mothers with SUD, individualized care plans should be created in partnership with the patient and multidisciplinary team with appropriate clinical support and follow-up," state the authors. "In general, breastfeeding is recommended among mothers who stop non-prescribed substance use by the time of delivery and they should continue to receive ongoing postpartum care, such as lactation support and SUD treatment."

Arthur I. Eidelman, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Breastfeeding Medicine, states, "This much anticipated protocol provides detailed practical clinical management guidelines for an ever increasing and challenging medical reality, and thus ìs most welcome."