Drug abuse is common among pregnant and nursing women and increases the risk of premature delivery.Long term effects of in utero and post natal exposure to these substances are unclear, but studies to date are concerning.Whether the risks of
continued exposure to these substances outweigh the benefits of human milk for the premature infant with its rapidly developing central nervous system is unclear. Current guidelines are to encourage mothers who abuse substances other than opiates to obtain counseling and to refrain from providing milk for their infants until they are free of the abused drugs.