Introduction:
Hospitalization after childbirth, complications during the postpartum period, acute and chronic diseases are closely associated with increased maternal use of medicines which may lead to breastfeeding cessation^1-3. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of medication intake among postpartum women in the Greek setting.

Material and Methods:
Ultimately, 847 women were recruited from five tertiary maternity hospitals, between January-December 2020. Information was prospectively collected by a structured questionnaire via interview during hospitalization and via telephone in the first, third and sixth month postpartum.

Results:
Overall, 100% of mothers reported having taken at least one medicine, even excluding vitamins. In total, 8274 pharmaceuticals were used; mothers cited 114 different medicines, while the median number used was 9 (IQR: 8-11). According to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification level 2, the most commonly consumed medications were antibacterials for systemic use (98.2%), analgesics (87.5%), anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs (87.2%), pharmaceuticals against anemia (82.9%), anesthetics (79.7%), mineral supplements (68.6%), medicines for gynecological diseases (68.4%), antithrombotic agents (56.8%), thyroid therapy (22.9%), antacids (9.8%) and medicines for gastrointestinal disorders (5.8%). Cesarean section [OR= 9.1 (95% CI: 6.4 – 13.0); p<0.001], previous breastfeeding experience (p=0.002) and physician’s counseling for (p=0.038) breastfeeding discontinuation due to medication intake were factors significantly correlated to medication intake during lactation, after excluding medications systematically administered during postpartum hospitalization.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of medication intake among lactating women in Greece is very high. Polypharmacy is a major concern for the national healthcare system⁴. The results highlight the need for the development and implementation of polypharmacy management initiatives.