Empowering Families Through Evidence-Based Guidance
Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals—and you have a unique opportunity to protect and promote breastfeeding. Whether answering a quick question about a cold medicine or counseling on prescription drugs, your advice can make the difference between continued breastfeeding and unnecessary weaning.
Why It Matters
Breastfeeding offers significant immune protection and bonding benefits. For most illnesses—like colds, flu, or COVID-19—breastfeeding should continue. However, many families stop nursing due to confusion about medication safety.
Promote Lactation in Your Pharmacy
- Reassure patients that most medications are compatible with lactation
- Recommend lactation-safe alternatives when needed
- Refer patients to trusted lactation support resources
- Help shape a breastfeeding-friendly pharmacy environment
Even small actions in your physical space can make a difference.
Ethical Shelf Placement
Pharmacies and other businesses are encouraged to support informed infant feeding decisions by following Step 8 of the Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community, which is based on the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Best Practices for Pharmacies:
- Avoid preferential shelf placement of infant/toddler formula.
- Do not advertise or promote formula with signage or samples.
- Display breastfeeding support materials near infant feeding items. Materials must not be provided by formula manufacturers.
Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll provide printable signage, connect you with WIC-approved materials, or walk through your shelf setup with you.
Use Trusted, Evidence-Based Tools
When advising patients, refer to the following professional resources:
- LactMed (NIH): Drug safety during lactation – Visit LactMed
- e-Lactancia: Medication compatibility, bilingual – Visit e-Lactancia
- Infant Risk Center: Physician-run resource with hotline – Visit InfantRisk | Phone: (806) 352-2519
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Clinical protocols – Visit ABM Protocols
- MotherToBaby: Free medication safety guidance – Visit MotherToBaby
- Trash The Pump and Dump: Clarifies myths about medications – Visit Site
Connect Families with Local Support
- Breastfeed Durham’s Community Resource Guide
- Durham County Department of Public Health: 919-560-7732
- Durham WIC: 919-956-4042
- Family Connects Durham: 919-385-0777
- La Leche League Durham: 919-622-8787 | LLLdurham.org
Get Involved
- 📬 Want materials to display or host a short training? Contact Us
- 🏅 Interested in recognition as a Breastfeeding Friendly Pharmacy? Learn more here
- 🤝 Partner with us to support breastfeeding families across Durham