Recreational drugs

As breastfeeding is contraindicated in cases of persistent maternal use of heroin or stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, cocaine and alcohol, breastfeeding mothers should avoid recreational drug use wherever possible. Nevertheless, the value of breastfeeding to both mother and infant could outweigh the risks associated with most maternal recreational drug use. These risks should be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the mother, with pragmatic advice given specific to her personal situation. Breastfeeding mothers should also be strongly discouraged from smoking or at least encouraged to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked to a minimum. This chapter addresses the effects that recreational drugs have on a breastfed infant.