Lactation Guidance and Patient Education
Evidence-based guidance and resources for providers and patient education materials created by WA Department of Health.
For health care providers and organizations
These evidence-based guidance documents are intended to guide health care providers in providing quality patient care and advice with regard to lactation and infant feeding for parents with history of substance use.
Lactation and Substance Use Guidance for Health Care Professionals
Read our full-length guidance here.
Key Resources and Recommended Reading
Highlighted resources and articles to expand your understanding of substance use during lactation and related topics.
References
A complete list of references from literature review that informed the clinical guidance.
For patients, parents, and families (drug-specific and patient-centered PDFs)
We have created patient education materials to support parents to make positive infant care decisions and reduce the harms of substance use. The PDFs are available in 12 languages (linked below).
Alcohol and Lactation
Describes risks of alcohol use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume alcohol, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of alcohol use.
Additional language PDFs
Benzodiazepines and Lactation
Describes risks of benzodiazepine use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume benzodiazepines, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of benzodiazepine use.
Additional language PDFs
Cannabis and Lactation
Describes risks of cannabis/marijuana use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume cannabis, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of cannabis use.
Additional language PDFs
Cigarettes, Tobacco, Nicotine and Lactation
Describes risks of nicotine use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume nicotine, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of nicotine use.
Additional language PDFs
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Lactation
Describes safety of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUDs) during lactation and addresses NOWS and other concerns.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents taking MOUD therapy and all parents with history of opioid use.
Additional language PDFs
Opioids and Lactation
Describes risks of opioid use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume opioids, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of opioid use.
Additional language PDFs
Stimulants and Lactation
Describes risks of stimulant (cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, methylphenidate) use during lactation, what to do if planning to consume stimulants, and harm reduction strategies.
Who should receive this information?
Share with all parents with history of stimulant use.
Additional language PDFs