This article is your go-to guide to understand what taking penicillin while breastfeeding really means—for you and your baby.
Penicillin and Breastfeeding Safety
Penicillin is generally safe to take while breastfeeding. Most experts and medical guidelines agree that the levels passed into breast milk are low and unlikely to harm your baby. But like anything involving your health and your baby’s, there are a few important nuances.
What Is Penicillin and Why Might You Need It?
Penicillin is one of the oldest and most commonly used antibiotics. It fights bacteria and is often prescribed for:
- Strep throat
- Mastitis (a common breast infection in breastfeeding moms)
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
Penicillin comes in a few different forms, like Penicillin V, Penicillin G, and amoxicillin. They all work similarly but are prescribed based on the specific infection you’re dealing with.
How Much Penicillin Actually Gets Into Breast Milk?
Good question—and the answer is: not much.
Studies show that only small amounts of penicillin make it into your breast milk. For example, Penicillin V reaches peak milk levels of about 0.3–0.7 mg/L depending on the dose and whether you’re dealing with mastitis. To put that into perspective, your baby would be getting a teeny-tiny fraction (about 1% or less) of your dose.
This low exposure is why penicillin is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding.
What About Risks to the Baby?
While the risk is very low, a few things to keep an eye on include:
- Mild Diarrhea or Loose Stools: Some babies may experience temporary changes in digestion. This can happen because antibiotics like penicillin might slightly disrupt your baby’s gut bacteria.
- Rashes: Rare, but possible—usually mild and not long-lasting.
- Thrush: Since antibiotics can affect the balance of good and bad bacteria, there’s a slight chance of yeast overgrowth (thrush) in your baby’s mouth or diaper area.
If your baby shows any unusual symptoms like fussiness, rash, white patches in the mouth, or changes in feeding patterns, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
What If My Baby Has a Penicillin Allergy?
If your baby has a confirmed penicillin allergy, you should let your doctor know immediately. In most cases, the amount passed through breast milk is too small to trigger an allergic reaction, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Also let your doctor know if you have a penicillin allergy, since reactions can be serious.
Does Penicillin Affect Breast Milk Supply?
Here’s some good news: Penicillin doesn’t reduce your milk supply. It doesn’t affect your hormones or milk production, so you can keep feeding your baby as usual.
How to Take Penicillin Safely While Breastfeeding
Here are a few tips to stay on the safe side:
- Take the medication as prescribed: Don’t skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better.
- Finish the full course: This helps prevent antibiotic resistance and fully clears the infection.
- Time your doses (if needed): While not usually necessary, some moms prefer to take antibiotics right after breastfeeding to reduce the minimal amount passed into milk.
- Watch your baby: Keep an eye out for any changes, and check in with your pediatrician if anything feels off.
- Keep breastfeeding: Unless your doctor says otherwise, there’s no need to stop.
Supporting Your Recovery Naturally
Alongside your prescribed antibiotics, you can support your immune system with some natural helpers:
- Probiotics: Found in yogurt, kefir, or supplements, probiotics may help maintain gut health and reduce the risk of antibiotic-related side effects like diarrhea or thrush.
- Garlic: Known for its natural antibacterial properties. It may support your immune system, though it’s not a replacement for antibiotics.
- Ginger & Turmeric: Both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can support recovery.
- Vitamin C & Zinc: These nutrients are immune system powerhouses. Just avoid taking high doses without checking with your doctor, as they can cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
Remember, these remedies are for support—they don’t replace antibiotics when needed.
You’ve Got This
Here’s the bottom line: Penicillin is generally safe to take while breastfeeding. Most babies won’t experience any side effects, and you get to stay healthy without giving up on nursing.
Always check in with your doctor, especially if your baby is premature, has health conditions, or a history of allergies. But for most moms and babies, penicillin is a safe and effective option.
Penicillin and Breastfeeding – Quick FAQ
Yes, in most cases it’s considered safe.
Yes, but in very small amounts.
It’s very unlikely, but you should monitor your baby for rash, diarrhea, or thrush.
No, not unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Nope—it doesn’t impact milk production.
Still worried? That’s normal. Just know you’re doing your best—and that includes taking care of your health while continuing to give your baby the best start through breastfeeding.
References
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) – U.S. National Library of Medicine. Entry on Penicillin V: Describes milk levels, safety, and potential effects on infants.
- Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), UK – Using Penicillin Antibiotics During Breastfeeding. Advises that all penicillins are generally safe for breastfeeding with infant monitoring.
- Breastfeeding Network (UK) – Antibiotics and Breastfeeding Factsheet.
- Supports continued breastfeeding during most antibiotic treatments, including penicillin.
- Healthline – Breastfeeding and Antibiotics: What You Should Know. Offers a parent-friendly overview of how antibiotics interact with breastfeeding.
