Neonatal Benzodiazepines Exposure during Breastfeeding

ObjectiveTo assess central nervous system depression and other adverse effects in infants exposed to benzodiazepines through breast milk.Study designA prospectively recruited, retrospectively assessed cohort study of mothers who contacted the Motherisk program regarding the safety of benzodiazepines and were invited to participate in a follow-up program regarding the effects of these medications on their infants during lactation.ResultsA total of 124 consenting women participated. Adverse outcomes, specifically sedation, was identified in only 1.6% (2 of 124) of infants and was not associated with benzodiazepine dose, number of hours breastfed, or any demographic trait. Mothers reporting adverse outcomes in themselves (26% [32 of 124]) were more likely to be taking concomitantly a greater number of central nervous system depressants.ConclusionsThis study supports the continued recommendation to initiate breastfeeding while taking benzodiazepines postpartum.