Can I take acetaminophen while I'm breastfeeding?

This information only applies to full term, healthy babies. You should seek further advice if your baby was born prematurely or with low birth weight, or has an underlying medical condition.

While you are breastfeeding, you may want to take a painkiller to treat a headache or muscular pain.

Although you can buy several painkillers over the counter at pharmacies, healthcare professionals recommend that you use acetaminophen if you are breastfeeding. This is because evidence suggests that the quantity of acetaminophen passing into breast milk is likely to be small, compared to other types of painkillers.

If you have any concerns about this information, or need any help understanding it and relating it to your own situation, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.