Can marijuana cause SIDs while breastfeeding?

The Risks of Marijuana Use While Breastfeeding: A Closer Look at SIDS
As the conversation around marijuana use continues to evolve, many new mothers are left grappling with the implications of using cannabis while breastfeeding. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential link between marijuana use and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a tragic phenomenon that remains a leading cause of infant mortality.
Understanding the Transfer of THC to Breast Milk
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, is known to pass into breast milk. Studies indicate that THC can accumulate in human breast milk to significant levels, raising alarms about the potential effects on infants. Research has shown that infants exposed to THC through breastfeeding may excrete the substance in their urine for up to three weeks after exposure . This prolonged presence in the infant’s system raises concerns about the developmental and health impacts on newborns.
The Connection to SIDS
The relationship between marijuana use during breastfeeding and SIDS is particularly troubling. Evidence suggests that smoking marijuana, similar to tobacco, may increase the risk of SIDS. A study highlighted by the La Leche League Canada found a strong association between prenatal cannabis use and sudden unexplained infant death syndrome. While the research is still developing, the implications are significant: the chemicals in marijuana could potentially disrupt an infant’s normal respiratory function or sleep patterns, both of which are critical factors in SIDS.
Health Risks Beyond SIDS
In addition to the potential link to SIDS, marijuana use while breastfeeding poses other health risks to infants. The chemicals in marijuana can affect a baby’s development, leading to issues such as sedation and growth delays. Furthermore, exposure to secondhand smoke from marijuana can exacerbate respiratory problems and increase the likelihood of ear infections and other health complications.
Navigating the Decision to Use Marijuana
For mothers considering marijuana use while breastfeeding, the decision is fraught with uncertainty. While some may argue for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, particularly for managing stress or pain, the potential risks to infant health cannot be overlooked. Health professionals often recommend that mothers who cannot abstain from marijuana consider the implications of formula feeding, as the risks associated with cannabis exposure must be weighed against the known risks of formula.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution
In summary, while the use of marijuana may be legal and socially accepted in many areas, its implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants are complex and concerning. The potential link to SIDS, along with other health risks, underscores the need for caution. As research continues to evolve, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare professionals and consider the well-being of their infants when making decisions about cannabis use during breastfeeding.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after hitting a vape?

Limit your baby’s exposure
Nurse your baby before you smoke or vape, not after. This way your body will have more time to reduce the level of nicotine in your breastmilk. It takes about 1.5 hours after smoking for the nicotine level in your breastmilk to drop by 50%. Don’t smoke when you breastfeed or hold your baby.

Can smoking while breastfeeding cause SIDS?

Nicotine and other harmful chemicals are found in cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Whether the mother breastfeeds or uses infant formula, secondhand smoke exposure puts infants at risk of: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

What drugs pass through breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.

Are cannabinoids in breast milk?

The cannabinoids THC and CBD are present and accumulate in breast milk after maternal cannabis use, whether by inhalation or edible ingestion. They appear rapidly after exposure and may remain present for at least 1–2 days.

Do you have to pump and dump after 2 drinks?

You do not have to pump and dump after drinking alcohol when you’re breastfeeding, except for comfort. As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it leaves the breastmilk.

What are the effects of marijuana on babies?

Some studies suggest that if you use marijuana during pregnancy, your baby may have problems, including: Preterm birth. This is birth that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal growth restriction (also called growth-restricted, small for gestational age and small for date) and low birthweight.

How long should you wait to breastfeed after smoking marijuana?

This leaves us, I think, with remaining questions and — in my mind — remaining reason for caution about use at all. But there is an important, concrete takeaway: If you do choose to consume cannabis while breastfeeding, waiting 5 to 10 hours after consumption to nurse is a very good idea.

Does the smell of smoke cause SIDS?

Infants exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than infants who are not exposed to smoke from burning commercial tobacco products. 1245 SIDS is the sudden, unexplained, unexpected death of an infant in the first year of life.

Does smoking marijuana increase risk of SIDS?

Any form of smoking, tobacco or cannabis, can increase the risk of SIDS. Do not sleep with your baby if smoking.

Why does maternal smoking increase SIDS?

Second-hand smoke contains several toxic chemicals that can damage the cells of the body. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and exposure to second-hand smoke after birth can affect infant brain and lung development. This in turn affects how an infant breathes and may be responsible for SIDS.