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Is CBD found in breast milk?

Is CBD Found in Breast Milk?
The question of whether cannabidiol (CBD) is present in breast milk has garnered significant attention, particularly as the popularity of CBD products continues to rise. While research on this topic is still evolving, current findings suggest that traces of CBD can indeed be found in breast milk, although the implications of this presence are complex and warrant careful consideration.
Presence of CBD in Breast Milk
Research indicates that traces of CBD can be detected in the breast milk of mothers who use cannabis products. This is particularly concerning given the potential risks associated with CBD consumption during breastfeeding. A study highlighted that while there is no extensive research specifically focused on CBD in nursing women, it has been found in the breast milk of some mothers who used cannabis products. This raises questions about the safety and effects of CBD on infants, as the long-term impacts of exposure to cannabinoids through breast milk are not well understood.
Cannabinoids in Breast Milk
Interestingly, human breast milk naturally contains endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids produced by the body. These endocannabinoids, such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), play crucial roles in infant development and are present in higher concentrations than anandamide, another endocannabinoid. This natural occurrence of cannabinoids in breast milk suggests that while CBD may be introduced through external sources, the body has its own mechanisms for producing similar compounds that are essential for growth and development.
Health Risks and Recommendations
Despite the presence of cannabinoids in breast milk, health authorities strongly advise against the use of CBD and other cannabis products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The FDA has issued warnings regarding the potential risks associated with CBD, THC, and marijuana, emphasizing that these substances can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality and safety of CBD products, which may be contaminated with harmful substances such as pesticides and heavy metals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that breastfeeding mothers avoid using marijuana and CBD products to limit potential risks to their infants. The lack of comprehensive studies on the effects of CBD on nursing infants further complicates the issue, leaving many questions unanswered.
Conclusion
In summary, while traces of CBD can be found in breast milk, the implications of this finding are significant. The natural presence of endocannabinoids in breast milk highlights the complexity of cannabinoid interactions in infant development. However, the potential risks associated with external CBD consumption during breastfeeding lead health authorities to recommend caution. As research continues to evolve, it remains crucial for nursing mothers to consult healthcare professionals before considering the use of CBD products.

Can you drug test breast milk?

Substances stay in maternal urine and breastmilk for different lengths of time, assays vary, medications can cross-react, use of reflex confirmatory tests may be inconsistent, false-positives and -negatives can occur, and there may be an arbitrary potentially biased focus on certain drugs and which mothers to test.

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.

How long does it take for CBD to leave breast milk?

The duration of CBD’s presence in breast milk varies among individuals and depends on the dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism. Studies suggest that the half-life of CBD in breast milk is around 18 to 32 hours. This means that it may take several days for CBD to clear the system entirely.

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 drinking can I breastfeed again?

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 you drink trip CBD while breastfeeding?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to use CBD oil and other CBD products for that period of time.

Does breastmilk have CBD in it?

In addition, based on what we already know about CBD, we expect that some amount of CBD will be transferred to babies through breast milk. We also know that there is a potential for CBD products to be contaminated with substances that may pose a risk to the fetus or breastfed baby, including THC.

What substances are passed through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

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.

What drugs show up in 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.

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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