How long after getting high can you breastfeed?

Understanding the Risks of Breastfeeding After Cannabis Use
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread across the United States, many new mothers are left grappling with the question of whether it is safe to breastfeed after using marijuana. The primary concern revolves around the psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to be excreted into breast milk.
THC and Breast Milk
Research indicates that THC can be detected in breast milk for varying durations, with studies showing detection times ranging from 6 days to over 6 weeks after consumption. This variability is largely due to the way THC is metabolized and stored in the body. Since cannabis is fat-soluble, it tends to accumulate in fatty tissues, including breast milk, which is also high in fat content. Consequently, the half-life of THC in breast milk has been estimated to be around 39 hours, meaning that it can take a significant amount of time for THC levels to decrease to negligible amounts.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Given the potential risks associated with THC exposure in infants, health professionals generally advise nursing mothers to avoid cannabis use altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that lactating mothers should refrain from consuming cannabinoids, as the effects on infant development are not fully understood. The concern is not just about the immediate effects of THC but also about the long-term implications for brain development and overall health in infants.
If a mother chooses to use cannabis, it is often recommended to wait at least several hours after consumption before breastfeeding. However, due to the prolonged presence of THC in breast milk, some experts suggest that waiting up to 24 hours may be more prudent to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while the allure of cannabis may be tempting for some new mothers, the potential risks to their infants cannot be overlooked. The presence of THC in breast milk poses significant concerns, and the safest approach is to avoid cannabis use while breastfeeding. If a mother does choose to use cannabis, waiting a substantial period before breastfeeding is advisable, although the exact timing can vary based on individual circumstances. Ultimately, the health and safety of the infant should always be the top priority.

What can you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How long after smoking a vape can I breastfeed?

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.

How long after smoking can I breastfeed again?

About 90 minutes after smoking, the level of nicotine in the mother’s blood and milk decreases by about half. Your baby will probably want to nurse frequently in the early weeks, so you may not always be able to wait that long between smoking and the next feeding.

Can smoke pass through breast milk?

Using tobacco or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit.

How long do drugs stay in your breast milk?

If you take cocaine while drinking alcohol, your body makes a substance called cocaethylene, which will stay in your body longer than cocaine does. Methamphetamine remains in human milk for up to 4 days after use. Prescribed Ritalin® (methylphenidate) remains in human milk for about 21 hours after use.

How long to wait after smoking to hold a baby?

They should change their outer clothes on return, wash their hands and rinse their mouth – traces of smoke can linger on clothing and then be released back into the atmosphere of the room they’re in for up to three hours after smoking. After smoking they should wait at least 25 minutes before handling a baby.

How long to wait to breastfeed after vaping?

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.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

When can I breastfeed after getting high?

It is not recommended to breastfeed a child less than 4 hours after consuming marijuana until more research is conducted on the possible health effects experienced by the child.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after Adderall?

To minimize your infant’s exposure, you can either breastfeed or pump right before taking your dose or after the peak concentration passes. That means waiting one to two hours for immediate release and six to eight hours for extended release.