Preferences, factors, and needs involved in decision-making on medication use during lactation among parents and healthcare providers: a Canada-wide cross-sectional survey study

BACKGROUND: Decision-making around medication use during lactation is often challenging for both parents and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study is to understand preferences, factors, and needs related to decision-making of parents and healthcare providers regarding medication use during lactation. METHOD: Two separate online surveys were disseminated to Canadian mothers/birthing parents and healthcare providers from November 2021 to February 2022. Participants were recruited through advertisements on social media. The surveys collected demographic information and participants' decision-making factors regarding medication use during infant feeding. RESULTS: There were 165 parents and 47 healthcare providers (n = 44 physicians; n = 2 nurses; n = 1 pharmacist) who completed the survey. Over half (54.7%) of parent participants found decision-making on medication use while nursing to be difficult and very few participants felt certain when making decisions (8.6%). Parents and healthcare providers ranked the leading factor impeding decision-making to be lacking information. CONCLUSION: Many parents and healthcare providers identified a lack of information available to help guide the decision to use medication during lactation. Findings highlight the need for better evidence and a shared decision-making tool on medication use during lactation.