Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Is hemp safe while breastfeeding?

Is hemp safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Hemp While Breastfeeding
As the conversation around hemp and its derivatives continues to grow, many breastfeeding mothers are left wondering about the safety of incorporating hemp products into their diets. The landscape is complex, with varying opinions and guidelines from health authorities.
FDA Warnings on Cannabis Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued strong advisories against the use of cannabis products, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during breastfeeding. The FDA emphasizes that these substances can pose potential risks to infants, as they may be transferred through breast milk. The agency’s stance is clear: breastfeeding mothers should avoid all forms of cannabis, including oils, edibles, and topical applications that contain these compounds.
Hemp Seed vs. Hemp Oil
It’s important to differentiate between hemp seeds and hemp oil. Hemp seeds, which are rich in nutrients like protein, omega fatty acids, and folic acid, are generally considered safe for consumption during breastfeeding. They can be a nutritious addition to a mother’s diet without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. However, hemp oil, particularly if it contains CBD or THC, falls under the same cautionary guidelines as other cannabis products.
Potential Risks of CBD and THC
The concerns surrounding CBD and THC are not just theoretical. Research indicates that these compounds can affect brain development in infants, leading health experts to advise against their use during breastfeeding. The lack of extensive studies on the long-term effects of these substances on nursing infants further complicates the issue, making it difficult to ascertain their safety.
Natural Alternatives and Recommendations
For mothers seeking natural remedies or supplements, experts suggest exploring alternatives that do not involve cannabis. There are numerous safe options available that can support health and wellness during breastfeeding without the associated risks of hemp-derived products containing THC or CBD.
In conclusion, while hemp seeds can be a safe and nutritious choice for breastfeeding mothers, the use of hemp oil and other cannabis products is strongly discouraged by health authorities. Mothers should prioritize their health and the safety of their infants by adhering to these guidelines and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

What can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

Who should not use hemp?

Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if hemp is safe for children. Hemp seed oil has caused rare cases of sleepiness, blood shot eyes, and liver problems in children. Allergy to cannabis: People who are allergic to cannabis might also be allergic to hemp.

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.

Is hemp protein ok for babies?

Yes! Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are terrific ingredients to add nutritional value to your baby’s diet and to help with that ever-present challenge: constipation. Nutritionally, hemp seeds are a complete protein, which means that they have all the essential amino acids that your baby’s body needs to thrive.

Can nursing moms use CBD?

If you are considering using cannabis, or any products containing THC or CBD, you should be aware of the following: FDA strongly advises that during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, you avoid using CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form.

Can you pass anxiety through breast milk?

In line with the fetal programming hypothesis, it might be argued that, when the environment is stressful, mothers could physiologically signal this information to their infants via breast milk cortisol, and infants could subsequently adjust their behavioral phenotype to their (future) environment.

Is hemp protein safe while breastfeeding?

Hemp protein powder is another good plant-based option for breastfeeding women. And hemp has the benefit of containing an extra nutrition boost from fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and iron – all very important for you and your growing baby!

Can nurses use hemp?

Nurses and doctors can use hemp-based CBD oil in all 50 states, so long as the oil is THC-free. But many CBD oils can contain THC, even when labeled THC-free.

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.

Can I use hemp products 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.

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.

Leave a Comment