MOUD and Breastfeeding

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Recovery Doesn’t Pause Motherhood

Safe Breastfeeding Options

If you are taking medicine like methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone or Subutex) to help with opioid use disorder, breastfeeding is usually safe and a good idea. This is true as long as you’re not using other drugs and don’t have health problems that make breastfeeding unsafe. 

Is breastfeeding right for you?

You can breastfeed your baby safely if:

  • You take methadone or buprenorphine the way your doctor tells you.
  • You don’t use illegal drugs.
  • You don’t have health problems that make breastfeeding risky.

Is breastfeeding safe?

Yes. Here’s why:

  • Only a tiny amount of the medicine goes into your breast milk.
  • The amount you take doesn’t make it unsafe.
  • Experts say it’s okay for moms to breastfeed while taking these medicines.

How can breastfeeding help your baby?

If your baby was exposed to opioids during pregnancy, breastfeeding can:

  • Help with withdrawal symptoms (called NOWS).
  • Lower the need for other medicines.
  • Help your baby leave the hospital sooner.
  • Help you and your baby bond.

Embrace whole-person care

To help you and your baby stay healthy, you should also get:

  • Medicine for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
  • Therapy or counseling.
  • Support for parenting and recovery.

Take action if someone shows signs of an overdose.

Everyone’s situation is different. Your provider, lactation consultant and support team can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone from our Maternal Child Health team, please call our Customer Care Center. 

For more helpful resources, visit our Maternal and Child Health Services page.