Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

If a woman on methadone wishes to breastfeed, what should she be advised?

1. Supervised methadone use is considered safe

2. The baby should be weaned gradually to avoid withdrawal

3. Transfer of methadone via breast milk precludes breastfeeding

The correct answer is: Supervised methadone use is considered safe

The correct response indicates that supervised methadone use is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. This is based on current clinical guidelines and research showing that methadone can be transferred into breast milk in low concentrations, generally posing minimal risk to the breastfeeding infant when the mother is well-managed on her dose. In fact, breastfeeding can have numerous benefits for the infant, including promoting bonding and providing essential nutrients. Furthermore, the presence of methadone in breast milk does not necessarily equate to prohibition from breastfeeding. Many health organizations support breastfeeding for mothers on methadone, highlighting the importance of a well-monitored approach to maternal treatment. In this context, a mother on supervised methadone treatment can be reassured that breastfeeding is an option, provided that both she and her healthcare team are actively managing her care. Other options suggest ideas that do not align as closely with current medical consensus. The recommendation that the baby should be weaned gradually to avoid withdrawal does not appreciate that a well-managed mother on methadone can continue breastfeeding without subjecting the infant to withdrawal, as a gradual weaning may not be necessary in these cases. Meanwhile, the assertion that methadone transfer via breast milk precludes breastfeeding is inaccurate, as many authored guidelines affirm that breastfeeding