Q&A: Can I take Ritalin?

There hasn’t been a lot of research on the effects of breastfeeding moms taking Ritalin. A couple of small studies have suggested that while Ritalin (methylphenidate) does pass through a mom’s breast milk, the levels are low and don’t seem to have a negative affect on baby. (This assumes that the mother is taking a normally prescribed dose of the drug.) Ask your doctor what’s best for you and your baby.