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- How long will drugs stay in breastmilk?
- How long after smoking can I breastfeed again?
- How long does it take for marijuana to metabolize in breast milk?
- How long after smoking a vape can I breastfeed?
- What drugs don’t go into breast milk?
- Can smoke pass through breast milk?
- How long after smoking marijuana should I breastfeed?
- Can you breastfeed with marijuana in system?
- Do I have to pump and dump after taking medication?
- How long to wait after smoking to hold a baby?
The Risks of Smoking Marijuana While Breastfeeding
As the legalization of marijuana continues to spread across various states, many new mothers are left grappling with the question of whether it is safe to smoke marijuana while breastfeeding. The consensus among health professionals is clear: using marijuana while breastfeeding poses potential risks to infants.
How THC Affects Breast Milk
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, is known to pass into breast milk. Research indicates that THC is stored in fat, and since breast milk is high in fat, it can retain these compounds for an extended period. This means that there is no definitive “safe” window after smoking during which a mother can breastfeed without the risk of transferring THC to her baby.
Recommended Waiting Period
Health experts generally recommend that if a breastfeeding mother chooses to use marijuana, she should wait at least three to four hours after smoking before breastfeeding. This guideline aims to minimize the amount of THC that could be present in breast milk at the time of feeding. However, it is crucial to note that this waiting period does not guarantee that all traces of THC will be eliminated from the milk, as the compound can linger longer due to its fat-soluble nature.
Potential Risks to Infants
The potential risks associated with THC exposure in infants are significant. Studies have shown that infants exposed to THC through breast milk may experience developmental issues, including impacts on brain development. The long-term effects of such exposure are still not fully understood, which adds to the caution advised by health professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, while some mothers may consider using marijuana for various reasons, including pain management, the risks associated with breastfeeding after smoking are substantial. Health authorities strongly advise against smoking marijuana while breastfeeding, emphasizing the importance of waiting several hours post-use to mitigate potential harm to the infant. Ultimately, the health and safety of the baby should be the top priority for breastfeeding mothers.
How long will drugs stay in breastmilk?
A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed 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.
How long does it take for marijuana to metabolize in breast milk?
The study found that, while the concentrations of THC varied from woman to woman (likely depending on their level of use, BMI and metabolism), THC was excreted in the breast milk of these seven women for up to six weeks.
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.
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 |
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 after smoking marijuana should I breastfeed?
Similar to alcohol, it is recommended that if a mother does occasionally use inhaled cannabis, she should wait three to four hours after use before breastfeeding to reduce how much THC is in her milk. Cannabis smoke, like tobacco smoke, is also unhealthy for babies (and all people) to be around.
Can you breastfeed with marijuana in system?
Risk to infants
Due to potential risks, breastfeeding mothers should avoid using marijuana or marijuana-containing products, including those containing CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form.
Do I have to pump and dump after taking medication?
If it is a short-term medication, pumping and dumping will keep your milk supply up until you can resume nursing. If you are on incompatible medications for the long term, discuss options with your provider. While you may need to wean, donor breast milk is an option for your baby or you may choose to use formula.
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.
