Aleve (naproxen) is generally not a first-choice pain reliever while breastfeeding, but short-term or occasional use at normal doses is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding for most healthy, full‑term infants. Safer first-line options are usually acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which most guidelines prefer over naproxen for nursing parents.

What most guidelines say

• Naproxen (Aleve) passes into breast milk in small amounts and short-term use (for a few days, not long-term) is generally considered acceptable, but it has a longer half-life, so it can stay in the baby’s system longer than ibuprofen.

• Because of the longer half-life and a few case reports of possible bleeding or anemia in infants, many professional and hospital guidelines recommend avoiding routine or long-term naproxen in breastfeeding and choosing ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead when possible.

When Aleve might be okay vs better avoided

• Usually okay: A healthy breastfeeding parent with a full‑term, healthy baby using standard over‑the‑counter doses of Aleve for a short period (like 1–3 days), especially if other options are not helping.

• Use extra caution or avoid and talk to a clinician first if:
  • Your baby is premature, has low birth weight, bleeding problems, kidney issues, or other health conditions.

* You need naproxen regularly or for more than a few days, as long-term use raises more concern for accumulation in the infant.

Safer alternatives and practical tips

• Preferred pain relievers while breastfeeding:
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) at standard adult doses.

* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at standard adult doses; it is widely recommended as a first‑choice anti‑inflammatory in breastfeeding because only very tiny amounts enter milk and it clears quickly.

• If you do take Aleve:
  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and do not exceed the package’s daily maximum.

* If you can, breastfeed first, then take the dose, so peak levels in your milk occur further from the next feed.

* Watch your baby for unusual bruising, bleeding, very pale skin, poor feeding, vomiting, or unusual sleepiness, and seek medical care if these appear.

Because individual situations differ, the safest move is to call your OB, midwife, pediatrician, or a pharmacist and confirm what is best for you and your baby, especially if you think you may need naproxen for more than a day or two.