One of the hardest questions I have to answer. I want to help but I need to keep the breastfed baby safe too

Sleeping tablets

Avoid if possible. Use for as short a time as possible. Observe baby for drowsiness. Avoid falling asleep with the baby in bed, on a chair or sofa

Committee on Safety of Medicines advice

1 Benzodiazepines are indicated for the short-term relief (two to four weeks only) of anxiety that is severe, disabling or subjects the individual to unacceptable distress, occurring alone or in association with insomnia or short-term psychosomatic, organic or psychotic illness.

2 The use of benzodiazepines to treat short-term ‘mild’ anxiety is inappropriate and unsuitable.

3 Benzodiazepines should be used to treat insomnia only when it is severe, disabling, or the individual is caused extreme distress.

Sleeping tablets and breastfeeding factsheet