Why should breastfeeding be considered when prescribing postnatal medication?

When prescribing postnatal medication, consideration of breastfeeding is crucial primarily because certain medications can be excreted into breast milk. This means that when a breastfeeding mother takes a medication, it has the potential to enter her breast milk and be ingested by her infant during breastfeeding. The safety and potential risks of this transfer are important components that healthcare providers must evaluate to minimize any adverse effects on the infant.

Choosing appropriate medications that have minimal or no transfer into breast milk or that are deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers helps ensure the well-being of both the mother and her child. It reinforces the need for careful medication management during the breastfeeding period to maintain the health of the infant while also adequately addressing the health needs of the mother.