Breastfeeding and/or Pumping for Multiples
Our section on breastfeeding includes information on local classes, breastfeeding/pumping supplies, support regarding how long to breastfeed, a section just for Dads, and a support and links resource page.
Breastfeeding Laws
The laws in California protect mothers’ right to breastfeed babies in public places and require most employers to give lactating mothers an appropriate break time and place to express breast milk. Nursing mothers may also request that jury duty be deferred for a year or longer.
To read the specific breastfeeding laws in California, visit the California Breastfeeding Coalition website or the La Leche League website.
If you will be traveling while you are still breastfeeding, La Leche League also maintains updated information about breastfeeding laws throughout the United States.
Breastfeeding and Medications
Always tell your doctor if you are lactating, especially if you need to take medication or undergo a medical procedure. There are safe medications which treat anything from allergies to infections to pain to post-partum depression that are safe for lactating mothers.
If your doctor says that you need to stop breastfeeding in order to take a certain medication, ask the doctor to find an alternative medication that is safe to take while breastfeeding. The authoritative source on medications and breastfeeding is Dr. Thomas W. Hale who is the author of Medications and Mothers Milk: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology. This book is the resource that your doctor should consult.
If you need additional information about medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding and/or pumping, your obstetrician, your children’s pediatrician, or a lactation specialist are all resources that can help you find a safe medication and may also be able to communicate directly with your doctor.
Need more information regarding medications?
The Kellymom website has a partial list of medications that have been approved for mothers who are nursing and pumping.
Ask Dr. Sears has information about making decisions about medications and includes information about some medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding.