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- Can smoke pass through breast milk?
- What drugs don’t go into breast milk?
- Do I have to pump and dump after taking medication?
- How long will drugs stay in breastmilk?
- How long to wait after smoking to hold a baby?
- Does breast milk have cannabinoids?
- How long after smoking weed can I breastfeed?
- What states drug test babies at birth?
- How long after smoking can I breastfeed again?
- How long does it take for weed to get out of your system during pregnancy?
Understanding THC in Breast Milk
The question of how long tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, remains in breast milk is crucial for nursing mothers who may use marijuana. Research indicates that THC can be detected in breast milk for varying durations, with studies suggesting a range from six days to over six weeks after consumption.
Duration of THC Detection
One significant study found that 63% of breast milk samples contained detectable levels of THC for up to six days following marijuana use. This aligns with findings from other research, which reported that THC can linger in breast milk for up to six weeks in some cases. The variability in detection times can be attributed to several factors, including the frequency of marijuana use, the amount consumed, and individual metabolic differences among mothers.
Concentration Levels
The concentration of THC in breast milk can also vary. In one analysis, the average concentration was found to be 9.47 nanograms of THC per milliliter of breast milk. Notably, even after a mother abstains from using marijuana for 12 hours, some studies have shown that THC remains detectable in her milk.
Health Implications
Given the potential risks associated with THC exposure in infants, health experts generally advise against marijuana use during breastfeeding. The presence of THC in breast milk raises concerns about its effects on a baby’s developing brain and overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend that lactating mothers refrain from consuming cannabis to ensure the safety of their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, THC can remain in breast milk for a significant period, with studies indicating detection times ranging from six days to over six weeks. The implications of this for nursing mothers are serious, as the potential risks to infants necessitate caution and informed decision-making regarding marijuana use during breastfeeding.
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.
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 |
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 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 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.
Does breast milk have cannabinoids?
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.
How long after smoking weed can 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.
What states drug test babies at birth?
Federal Newborn Drug Testing Laws
Only four states (North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Kentucky) require hospitals to test both new mothers and their children if medical professionals suspect drug use.
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 weed to get out of your system during pregnancy?
Metabolized by the liver, the half-life of THC varies from 20–36 hours in occasional users to 4–5 days in heavy users and may require up to 30 days for complete excretion. In animal models, THC crossed the placenta, producing fetal plasma levels that were approximately 10% of maternal levels after acute exposure.
