Breastfeeding Safe With Anti-Seizure Medication
New research suggests children of mothers on epilepsy treatment see no neurodevelopmental harms from breastfeeding.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Babies
Live Poll
Do you feel confident following medical advice regarding breastfeeding while taking long-term prescription medications?
A study of 357 children found that breastfeeding while taking common anti-seizure medications does not negatively impact a child’s language development by age six. These findings provide evidence for mothers with epilepsy who may avoid breastfeeding due to concerns over medication transfer.
Why it matters
Many women with epilepsy have historically avoided breastfeeding because they fear anti-seizure medications will be transferred to their infants. This evidence suggests those concerns may not warrant avoiding the practice, which is linked to better outcomes.
A multi-center study followed 273 children born to women with epilepsy and 84 children of healthy women, tracking development until age six. Findings showed no difference in language development between children of breastfeeding mothers on medication and those in the control group.
The players
JAMA Network Open
A peer-reviewed, open-access medical journal that publishes original research in clinical medicine and public health.
The details
Researchers monitored 202 women who initiated breastfeeding while taking medications like lamotrigine and levetiracetam across 20 U.S. epilepsy centers. The study evaluated neurodevelopment through assessments of verbal language and adaptive behavior conducted when children reached age six. Data indicated that children breastfed for six months or longer actually showed higher adaptive behavior scores.
Timeline
The study cohort included children born between 2012 and 2016.
Children completed their final neurodevelopmental assessments at age six.
Findings from the study were published in September 2026.
Health Landscape
This study extends the work of the Epilepsy Centers research network by clarifying long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants exposed to maternal anti-seizure therapy. It shifts the clinical focus from simply avoiding medication to optimizing breastfeeding support for mothers with chronic seizure conditions.
If you are managing epilepsy and planning to breastfeed, discuss these findings regarding lamotrigine and levetiracetam with your neurologist or obstetrician. It is also worth asking your care team about the potential benefits of breastfeeding for six months or longer on your child's adaptive behavior.
The takeaway
Breastfeeding while on anti-seizure medication appears safe for a child’s long-term neurodevelopment. If you are balancing epilepsy treatment and breastfeeding, consult your physician to review the latest data regarding your specific medication and infant development goals.
Further reading
For more information on infant development and care, visit our Babies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nursing Times.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident following medical advice regarding breastfeeding while taking long-term prescription medications?
