How long does weed stay in your milk while breastfeeding?

Understanding THC in Breast Milk
The question of how long tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, remains in breast milk is critical for breastfeeding mothers who may use marijuana. Research indicates that THC is fat-soluble, meaning it can accumulate in breast milk and linger for an extended period after consumption.
Duration of THC in Breast Milk
According to various studies, THC can remain detectable in breast milk for up to six days following use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported this timeframe, emphasizing the potential risks associated with marijuana use during breastfeeding. However, some research suggests that the duration may be even longer. For instance, a study conducted by experts at Children’s Colorado indicated that THC could be present in breast milk for up to six weeks. This discrepancy highlights the variability in individual metabolism and the fat content of breast milk, which can influence how long THC remains detectable.
Implications for Breastfeeding Mothers
The presence of THC in breast milk raises significant concerns regarding infant health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that breastfeeding mothers should avoid marijuana use due to the potential risks it poses to infants, including impaired motor development and poor sucking reflexes. Additionally, THC levels in breast milk tend to peak approximately one hour after consumption, which means that even if a mother abstains from using cannabis for a period, residual THC can still affect her milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while THC can remain in breast milk for up to six days, some studies suggest it may linger for as long as six weeks. Given the potential risks to infants, healthcare professionals strongly recommend that breastfeeding mothers refrain from using marijuana in any form. The implications of THC exposure during breastfeeding are serious, and mothers should consider these factors carefully when making decisions about cannabis 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 drugs to leave your breastmilk?

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 to breastfeed after drinking?

Breastfeeding and alcohol
Breastfeeding mothers who have consumed alcohol can wait 2 hours (per drink) before breastfeeding. This time will allow alcohol levels in her breast milk to go down. If the mother cannot wait to feed her infant, she can feed milk that was previously expressed when the mother was not drinking.

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.

When should I pump and dump?

If you drink in excess of that, or you drink within two hours of your usual feeding schedule, you may choose to pump and dump in order to ease your own physical comfort, and feed your baby previously expressed milk from your milk storage.

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 should you wait to breastfeed after smoking weed?

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.

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 drugs be passed through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

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.