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Is CBD in breast milk naturally?

Understanding CBD in Breast Milk
The presence of cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol), in breast milk is a topic of growing interest and concern among healthcare professionals and new mothers. While the conversation around cannabis and its derivatives has expanded significantly in recent years, the implications for breastfeeding mothers remain complex and nuanced.
Cannabinoids Naturally Occur in Breast Milk
Research indicates that cannabinoids are naturally present in human breast milk. Specifically, the endocannabinoids 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and anandamide are found in higher concentrations in breast milk, playing a crucial role in infant development. These naturally occurring compounds are produced by the body and are essential for various physiological processes, including appetite regulation and immune response.
Interestingly, while CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, it is not the same as the endocannabinoids produced by the human body. However, the fact that breast milk contains these natural cannabinoids raises questions about the safety and implications of introducing external cannabinoids, such as CBD, into a breastfeeding context.
Safety Concerns with CBD Use During Breastfeeding
Despite the natural presence of cannabinoids in breast milk, health authorities, including the FDA, strongly advise against the use of CBD and other cannabis products during breastfeeding. The FDA’s stance is rooted in concerns about the potential risks associated with CBD, including the possibility of contamination with harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals. Moreover, the long-term effects of CBD on infants are not well understood, leading to a cautious approach from medical professionals.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon, a medical expert, emphasizes that while cannabinoids exist in breast milk, the introduction of CBD could pose unknown risks to infants. The FDA’s warnings reflect a broader concern about the lack of comprehensive research on the safety of CBD for nursing mothers and their babies.
Conclusion
In summary, while cannabinoids are naturally found in breast milk, the introduction of CBD from external sources is fraught with uncertainty and potential risks. The consensus among health authorities is clear: breastfeeding mothers should avoid using CBD products to ensure the safety and well-being of their infants. As research continues to evolve, it remains crucial for mothers to consult healthcare professionals regarding any substance use during breastfeeding.

What are the active ingredients in breast milk?

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk. It accounts for approximately 40% of the total calories provided by breast milk. Lactose helps to decrease a large number of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, which improves the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Can cannabinoids pass through breast milk?

Components of cannabis can stay in the body after use and pass to your baby. Cannabis is broken down in the body. Some parts are stored in the body and can pass onto your baby during pregnancy and through human milk, both while you are using and weeks later.

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.

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.

Does breast milk have CBD in it?

Median (IQR) THC M/P: 7.0 (1.8-34.6) and CBD M/P: 2.6. Median breast milk THC concentration increased from visit 1 to visit 2 by 30.2 ng/ml (95% CI 3.05-69.3 ng/ml). Conclusions: THC and CBD accumulate in breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers used cannabis frequently and increased use in the early postpartum period.

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.

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 is naturally in breast milk?

As is already well known, HBM contains about 87%–88% water, and 124- g/L solid components as macronutrients, including about 7% (60–70 g/L) carbohydrates, 1% (8–10 g/L) protein, and 3.8% (35–40 g/L) fat. The composition may vary depending on the environmental factors, including maternal diet.

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 can I reduce my baby’s exposure to drugs in breast milk?

Timing of feeds

  1. give the mother’s dose immediately after the infant has been fed with the aim of avoiding feeding at peak milk concentrations; or.
  2. withhold breastfeeding until after a suitable washout period of the medicine. This is most appropriate for short courses of a hazardous medicine.
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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