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How much CBD is in breast milk?

Understanding CBD in Breast Milk
The question of how much cannabidiol (CBD) is present in breast milk is a complex one, primarily because current research does not provide definitive answers. While CBD has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits, its safety during breastfeeding remains a contentious topic.
Current Research and Findings
As of now, there is no conclusive evidence that confirms the presence of CBD in human breast milk. The data surrounding this issue is still inconclusive, with experts urging caution. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strongly advised against the use of CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana in any form during pregnancy and breastfeeding, citing potential risks to both the mother and the infant .
Risks and Recommendations
Experts, including pediatricians and lactation consultants, recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid CBD products altogether. The primary concern is that while CBD is often marketed as non-toxic for adults, its effects on infants are not well understood. The FDA’s warnings highlight the potential for adverse effects, emphasizing that the safety of CBD during breastfeeding has not been established.
Moreover, while THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to be excreted into breast milk in small quantities, the implications of CBD are less clear. Some studies suggest that THC can remain detectable in breast milk for extended periods, raising concerns about the cumulative effects of cannabis use on a nursing infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while the exact amount of CBD in breast milk remains undetermined, the prevailing advice from health authorities is to avoid CBD use while breastfeeding. The potential risks to infants, coupled with the lack of comprehensive research, make it a prudent choice for nursing mothers to steer clear of CBD products. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals is essential for any mother considering the use of such substances during breastfeeding.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

CBD can stay in a person’s system from hours to about a month. This depends on how much a person takes and how they take it. The half-life of CBD in the body can range from about 1 hour to up to 5 days . Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance.

Is CBD found 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.

How long after drinking can I breastfeed?

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption, meaning up to one standard drink in a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant. To be safest, the mother can wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Is it OK to have CBD while breastfeeding?

FDA strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products have become increasingly available in recent years, with new and different types of products appearing all the time.

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.

How long do cannabinoids stay in breastmilk?

THC is stored in your fat cells, which means it sticks around for a long time. Studies show that although THC levels in breast milk peak one hour after use, it remains in your system for six days after use. That means you can’t just “pump and dump” milk after ingesting it to avoid exposing your baby to THC.

How long should you wait to breastfeed after smoking?

Breastfeeding and cigarette smoke
Nicotine passes rapidly into your breast milk and affects how much milk you have. Nicotine in breast milk and passive smoking can give your baby chest infections, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritability. Avoid smoking for half an hour before you breastfeed.

How long after hitting 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 does it take CBD to get out of breast milk?

Additionally, some products, including cannabidiol (CBD) products, may contain other contaminants that could be dangerous to a mother and her infant. Such contaminants include pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungi. Breast milk can contain THC for up to 6 days after use, according to one study.

How much CBD passes through breastmilk?

Median (IQR) cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations were: plasma 0.6 ng/ml (0.5-6.4) and breast milk 1.2 ng/ml (0.5-17.0).

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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