What is an appropriate recommendation for clients prescribed methadone during pregnancy?

The recommendation to encourage clients who are prescribed methadone to breastfeed is supported by evidence indicating that breastfeeding can be beneficial for both the mother and the newborn. Methadone is often used to manage opioid dependence, and while it does transfer into breast milk, the levels are generally low enough that it does not pose a significant risk to the nursing infant.

Breastfeeding during methadone treatment can provide important benefits such as promoting bonding between mother and infant and providing optimal nutrition. It also helps in minimizing the risk of infant withdrawal symptoms, as breastfed infants might receive a steadier stream of methadone that can help mitigate those effects.

Moreover, the World Health Organization and various health authorities suggest that the benefits of breastfeeding typically outweigh the potential risks associated with methadone exposure through breast milk. This approach aligns with the goal of maintaining maternal health while ensuring the infant receives the numerous benefits associated with breastfeeding.

In light of this information, recommending breastfeeding for mothers on methadone allows for adequate maternal-infant bonding and nutrition while taking into account the clinical considerations unique to this situation.