Breast milk does not suddenly become lacking in sufficient nutrition at a certain time, even though i h. If moms use marijuana while breastfeeding it can be found in their breastmilk up to six days later. If you are sober enough to drive you should be sober enough to breastfeed. You can also visit the smokefree website or call the nhs smoking helpline on 0300 123 1044. If you can t stop smoking weed altogether, at the very least, you should try to cut down while you re breastfeeding. The book, as well as the infantrisk website, are chock full of handy. Using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. We have prepared an article, in which you will find the answer to each question, starting from the risks up to the adverse smoking effects. There is also the combined effect of the tobacco and whatever else mixed with marijuana. However, mothers who breastfeed and smoke marijuana either to get pleasure or cure some chronic disease, usually ask themselves whether they can smoke weed while breastfeeding. Dont smoke in the house or around your babyand dont let anyone else do it either. Mothers who use cocaine, heroin or pcp should not breastfeed, as their babies. Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. Although cannabis can affect serum prolactin variably, it appears not to.
Shortly after being published, the photo started going viral. What are the best birth control options while breastfeeding. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks. Experts are also concerned about the longterm effects on the development of children exposed to these chemicals during breastfeeding. It appears preferable to encourage mothers who can t stop using marijuana to continue breastfeeding while making every effort. Is smoking weed while breastfeeding dangerous for your baby. Do you drug screen these mamas and babies when the pt has a thc hx. Marijuana can definitely be a tool, she told me, but using marijuana while you re pregnant is more than just smoking and doing what you did before you were pregnant. Jun 03, 2019 marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Psychologically, breastfeeding facilitates bonding between mother and child.
That is a very different question and one which is hotly debated. If youd still like to use pot while breastfeeding, talk. When you smoke, pull your hair back so the smoke wont cling to your hair. Marijuana also called pot, weed, and cannabis is the most commonly used, illegal drug used today. The american academy of pediatrics aap recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid marijuana use. Fda strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol cbd, tetrahydrocannabinol thc, and marijuana in. New mothers who smoke cannabis could pass on chemicals while.
Wherever fat cells are present, the thc dissolves and sticks around for a while. Hepatitis b is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis b virus hbv, which is transmitted by blood, semen or other body fluid from an infected person. Apr 19, 2009 wouldnt it be better to smoke after you breast feed and just limit the amount of smokes while breast feeding. Health need to knows about marijuana and pregnancy cdphe. Our lc and neonatologists both say its okay but obviously not ideal, and we do encourage them to not use thc while nursing, but for all other drugs we should urge them heavily not to breastfeed. Instead, im going to walk you through the various arguments for and against consuming cannabis while breastfeeding and then relay some firsthand testimonials exclusive to. The duration of breastfeeding varied, but the majority of infants were breastfeed for 3 months and. Search or browse the list below for guidelines on taking individual medicines while breastfeeding. A woman with hepatitis b can infect her infant with the virus during childbirth. Thc is stored in fat cells, so pumping and dumping doesnt work. Jul 09, 2019 most experts, including the american academy of pediatrics, advise nursing moms to abstain from cannabis while breastfeeding. Also, because street drugs are rarely pure, marijuana may be laced with other drugs or substances that can also be harmful to the breastfeeding baby. A mother recently posted a photo of herself smoking weed while breastfeeding. Jul 25, 2017 for ethical reasons, very little research has been done on the effects of weed on breastfed babies.
Marijuana is an illegal substance in parts of the united states. The safest thing is not to use it at all, and to not take any form of it while breastfeeding or to smoke it around children. Apr 09, 2019 a useful paper by denise fisher, 2006 points out that while we have little current evidence of longterm detrimental effects to the baby of smoking weed while breastfeeding, there is well established evidence that artificial milks can have detrimental long term. Your doctor or health visitor can help you with quitting or cutting down on weed. If you are going to continue to smoke marijuana while breastfeeding it is definitely better to continue to breastfeed than to stop if it is only occasional. The duration of breastfeeding varied, but the majority of infants were breastfeed for 3 months and received less than 16 fluid ounces of formula daily. But can having marijuana chemicals in ones breast milk affect the development and growth of their baby when they choose to breastfeed. You should know that while there are a few things that you can do to minimize the risks, the best thing mothers can do for their babies is to quit. Breastfeeding provides many immunities that help your baby fight illness and can even help counteract some of the effects of cigarette smoke on your baby. Some research suggests that using cannabis can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes and have longterm neurodevelopmental effects on the child. People began posting comments both criticizing and supporting the mother for smoking weed while breastfeeding.
A woman recently posted a photo of herself ripping a bong while breastfeeding her baby. Never expose your baby to the secondhand marijuana smoke. For up to the first 6 months after your baby is born, you can rely on breastfeeding as birth control if you have not gotten your period yet and are not feeding your baby formula or food. But we do know that babies are much more vulnerable to chemicals and toxins than adults. Researchers think that babies exposed to marijuana through breast milk may become sedated and unable to suck well. Are you smoking marijuana while breastfeeding or smoking pot while breastfeeding. Smoking marijuana while breastfeeding what experts recommend. What you should know about using cannabis, including cbd. Some experts expressed the opinion that smoking marijuana while breastfeeding leads to such consequences as weight loss, leukemia and neurobehavioral damage. Because thc is stored in body fat, it stays in your body for a long time. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol may reduce your milk supply and possibly cause irritability, poor feeding and sleep problems in your baby. The body processes marijuana slowly and stores it in fat. Based on comments even from those who support marijuana use and legalization many dont support smoking weed while breastfeeding.
Basically, we know it can pass to an infant through breastfeeding, but. Marijuana and breastfeeding smoking weed while breastfeeding. New mothers who smoke cannabis and breastfeed could be getting their. Try to breastfeed before you smoke, not right afterward. The american college of obstetricians and gynecologists acog also recommends that obstetriciangynecologists counsel women against using marijuana while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while they are breastfeeding. Some have to administrate marijuana under a medical recommendation. Everything you need to know about nursing your child from birth through weaning on free shipping on qualified orders. One infant was exclusively breastfed and the other 3 were mostly. You can safely use nonhormonal birth control while breastfeeding.
Jul 25, 2017 a photo of a nursing mother has sparked outrage on the internet, but its not because shes breastfeeding its because shes smoking weed while doing it. You ve probably heard about lots of them from health care providers, friends, family members, or other sources. While there are no studies on the use of cbd oil use while breastfeeding, experts advise against that too. Cannabis drugs and lactation database lactmed ncbi bookshelf. Consuming cannabis marijuana, weed, pot can affect the health of your baby and is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who plan to become pregnant soon. Professional handouts books kelly recommends support kellymom amazon portal free handouts donate. All pregnant women pdf icon pdf864kb are given a blood test for hepatitis b as part of their prenatal care or when they arrive at the hospital to give birth. Nov 14, 2016 researchers just arent sure of the longterm effects of marijuana on your baby, so its best to either abstain from weed while you re breastfeeding, or use formula to feed your baby, especially. What to do when breastfeeding isnt an option food renegade. It is not the same as handing an infant a joint lol the baby does not get high.
Photo of woman smoking weed while breastfeeding goes viral, draws controversy. When you are pregnant and parenting, its no longer just about you. Marijuana and breastfeeding got breastfeeding problems. Why pregnant and nursing mothers shouldnt smoke marijuana. But if you smoke every day, it would be best to either quit smoking or start formula feeding. And not to mention the consequinces of being high and taking care of your baby.
Studies done on the effects of thc on a fetusbreastfed baby have been inconclusive, mainly because most mothers who smoke marijuana while pregnant breastfeeding also smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, andor do other illegal drugs, which makes it impossible to tell what complications arise from the marijuana and what are from the other substances. And while pumping and dumping may help to reduce the chemicals in breastmilk, it doesnt seem feasible since thc is staying in the milk for so long, bertrand says. Things you can do to protect baby if you continue to smoke. No easy answers about cannabis use and breastfeeding.
It would be really hard for a mom to pump and dump for, say, six days if she only smoked that one time. The body processes marijuana slowly and stores it in fat, meaning that some of the chemicals may be present. Share your questions and concerns with mnt so we can provide helpful information for you. The active ingredient in marijuana, thc, will be stored in moms fat. The active ingredient in marijuana, thc, will be stored in moms fat tissues for long periods weeks to. I am not a doctor, so im not here to give you medical advice. How does smoking weed while breastfeeding affect a baby. Under no circumstances should you ever smoke marijuana while breastfeed. Cannabis is a drug derived from hemp plant, cannabis sativa, used both as a recreational drug or as medicine. Is it safe for a breastfeeding mom to use marijuana. With chronic use, thc can accumulate in human breast milk to high concentrations. Interview with dr hale, author of medications and mothers. The answer to your question op is yes, you can smoke weed while nursing a infant not at the same time obviously lol but whether or not you should is totally up to you because there are risks that havent been fully studied or determined. You ask whether it is illegal, but you posted the question in the family law section.
If your breasts become full while waiting for the alcohol to clear, you can hand express or pump, discarding the milk that you express. Using marijuana could also help some women go through the months of pregnancy more comfortable. If this is youdo yourself and your child a favorquit as a gift to you both. Thc can remain in your breast milk even after you ve stopped using it. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Dont let all those people telling you that you are a bad parent get to you. Women who regularly use marijuana may wonder if it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Relax you made a bad decision, you have certainly learned you lesson and are now away that there are risks associated with marijuana and breastfeeding. Dec 01, 2012 i want to breast feed my baby when he gets here in feb and i wanted to know if it was safe to smoke weed while breastfeeding because i need it for a medical purpose that i would like to not say what it is but if its not safe then i need to know i need to wait longer before i can use it again and continue trying to find another way to deal with my health problem. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice in relation to drug use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Yes, weed does gets into breastmilk, but theres been little research on how marijuana may impact a baby.
Theres so much variability in terms of potency or how much marijuana you re using, she said. Aug 02, 2017 an online photo of a mother smoking pot while breastfeeding generated an onslaught of comments. The second hand smoke will harm the baby and to breast feed the baby while on weed will mean your baby will get the drug too. This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how cps will be involved. There is also the combined effect of the tobacco and whatever else mixed with marijuana and smoke inhalation 14. Effects while pregnant or breastfeeding colorado marijuana. It is also important to avoid environmental exposure to maternal marijuana smoke. They will support you and respect your efforts to help your baby be healthy. No, you can t smoke weed while you re breastfeeding.
Things you can do to protect baby if you continue to smoke marijuana while breastfeeding try to cut down on the amount that you smoke. I will simply add the following, to show why continuing to breastfeed as per the who recommendations is important. Home news photo of woman smoking weed while breastfeeding goes viral, draws controversy. Will they take your baby away if you test positive.
Now that pot is being legalized its legal where i am its a trickier line to toe, but i feel like saying its illegal to provide them breastfeeding support sounds extreme to me. Its one of the best things you can do to give a child a healthy start. If you could put the two sides of the argument on a scale to see which would win, which would weigh more. If i smoke just a few hits every few days and i wait a few hours to breastfeed my baby, is that going to harm him. You should not use marijuana while you are pregnant, just like you should not use alcohol and tobacco. Nicotine replacement therapy nrt and breastfeeding. Dec 04, 2017 the professionals estimated that between 1 in 10 and 1 in 5 of their clients used marijuana while breastfeeding. If you use marijuana while breastfeeding, your child is exposed to it. Is there a law that specifically says it is illegal for women to breastfeed while using marijuana. Research shows that if you use cannabis while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your baby may be born with a lower b irth weight, which means the baby is more. Smoking weed is a recreational vice of many people around the world. Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences.
His groundbreaking book is now in its 17th edition and is continuing to help mothers make the right decisions when taking medications. Try smoking after a breastfeeding session, so that the drug has time to leave your system before you breastfeed again. Jan 01, 2009 well, you are going to have to wait for a few days, until the weed flushes out of your system, to breast feed your daughter. Conservatives are usually against smoking weed while breastfeeding.
The main active chemical in marijuana is delta9tetrahydrocannabinol thc, which is what causes you to feel high. Hopefully, youll consider actually reading this post before you comment. If you answered no to any of these questions, then choosing not to use marijuana while breastfeeding is probably the best course of action for you and your baby. Experts are worried that when marijuana is legalized in canada on october 17, expectant mothers might think it gives them the green light to use. She advised weighing the pros and cons of breastfeeding while smoking marijuana. When you drink alcohol, it passes into your breast milk. Marijuana is now legal for adults over 21 b ut this doesnt mean it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding moms or babies. Some women use it to manage the nausea of pregnancy, but there are many other ways of managing nausea. Smoking marijuana while breastfeeding can you smoke marijuana while breastfeeding. Alternatives if youre concerned about consuming alcohol while breastfeeding you might prefer to stick to nonalcoholic drinks instead. In the book, marijuana is placed in the highest risk category. Smoking weed exposes an infant to inhaling the drug via secondhand smoke in addition to ingesting small amounts via breast milk. Smoking weed while breastfeeding breastfeeding support. Since your babys brain and body may store thc for a long time, you shouldnt use marijuana while you re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Clearly you have questions about marijuana, be it a legal concern, a health curiosity, a coloradocentric inquiry or. Heres what you need to know about using marijuana while. Apr 02, 20 i also thought that anyone can breastfeed. Breastfeeding mothers often receive conflicting advice about whether alcohol consumption can have an effect on their baby. While on the list, its noted that there is only one report in the. This sheet talks about exposure to marijuana in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Little is known about the adverse effects of postnatal cannabis exposure throw breastfeeding because of a lack of studies in lactating women. Licensed nrt products are safe to use while you re breastfeeding. The effects of smoking weed while breastfeeding wehavekids. Your high can wait for the safety and well being of your baby. Just make sure you do these things for your babys health.
Studies show that chemicals ingested during marijuana use can be passed through breast milk, potentially affecting your little one though there are no studies that directly show how cbd oil could affect a nursing baby. While sometimes occasional marijuana use is fine, in many cases babies that are exposed to thc may exhibit decreased motor function before one year of age as well as lower iq scores, lower birth weight, and increased hyperactivity. Therefore, if women are using marijuana during pregnancy or while. More mamas are lighting up, but safety is a big issue. Jan 06, 2020 using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. However, some states allow marijuana use by prescription for medical purposes, and some states allow the sale of marijuana for recreational use. Marijuana use and breastfeeding pubmed central pmc. Sixtyeight infants whose mothers reported smoking marijuana during breastfeeding were compared to 68 matched control infants whose mothers did not smoke marijuana. Thats because when you smoke or eat marijuana, pots main ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol or thc, circulates through your bloodstream and gets into your breast milk. Whether something is illegal or not is a matter for law enforcement and the da, and if you are in a contested family law dispute, i would tell most of my clients not to retaliate against the other party using law enforcement. Htc gets in your bloodstream and filters through your breasts. Thc is the only positive we allow moms to breastfeed with. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks outrage by.
If you feel that you cant quit, the benefits of breastfeeding and smoking are still greater to your baby than if. What you should know about using cannabis, including cbd, when pregnant or breastfeeding. The most frequently cited source that lactation professionals used to make their recommendations was dr. They increase your chances of quitting smoking, especially if you also have support from your local nhs stop smoking service. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol cbd in any form while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women who smoke marijuana transfer low levels of cannabis main psychoactive ingredient, thc, to their children via breast milk, according to. I am familiar with the raging feelings concerning smoking marijuana while pregnant and this subject also brings out strong. Is it safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sep 06, 2019 is it okay to smoke weed while breastfeeding. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks outrage. But even if you can t quit smoking, breastfeeding your baby is still the best choice you can make.
While women are often warned not to consume alcohol during pregnancy due to evidence that it could cause damage to an unborn child, the risks of consuming alcohol while breastfeeding are not as well defined. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your health care provider. You shouldnt even be smoking weed around your baby. And babies are exposed through breast milk to the active chemicals in weed, including thc tetrahydrocannabinol, the one that gets you high. One study astley and little, 1990 found that exposure to marijuana.
We still support women breastfeeding even if using marijuana but. The same thing applies whether you smoke weed or consume marijuana edibles or oil. Marijuana, also called pot, weed, or cannabis, is a. The active ingredient in marijuana, thc, will be stored in moms fat tissues for long periods weeks to months and will build up in the body with continued use. That means that potential problems could be a lot worse if you breastfeed and use weed today. Photo of woman smoking weed while breastfeeding goes viral. There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking, both for you and your baby. It is a widespread illegal substance, generally smoked for its hallucinogenic properties.