If I need medication in labour will it affect my breastmilk?
Sometimes you may be advised to have medication in labour. It will be possible to breastfeed even if you do because drugs are chosen to avoid the risk of affecting breastmilk. If you needed a drug which was unsuitable, which is unlikely, you would be informed. Some medication e.g. Pethidine given in labour affects the baby directly, though temporarily, in that the baby may initially be a bit sleepy and unwilling to feed. In this case you may need to express your breasts and give the milk to your baby until he or she is ready to breastfeed.
