What advice should be given to women with hypertension who wish to breastfeed?
Advise women with hypertension who wish to breastfeed that their treatment can be adapted to accommodate breastfeeding, and that the need to take antihypertensive medication does not prevent them from doing so. Explain to women with hypertension who wish to breastfeed that: antihypertensive medicines can pass into breast milk; most antihypertensive medicines taken while breastfeeding only lead to very low levels in breast milk, so the amounts taken in by babies are very small and would be unlikely to have any clinical effect; most medicines are not tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so disclaimers in the manufacturer's information are not because of any specific safety concerns or evidence of harm. Make decisions on treatment together with the woman, based on her individual circumstances.