Is it okay to use marijuana while breastfeeding?

The Complex Question of Marijuana Use While Breastfeeding
As the legalization of marijuana continues to spread across various states in the U.S., many new mothers are left grappling with the question: Is it safe to use marijuana while breastfeeding? The answer, according to health experts and research, is a resounding no.
Understanding THC and Its Effects
The primary psychoactive component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to pass into breast milk. Studies have shown that when a mother consumes marijuana—whether by smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles—THC enters her bloodstream and subsequently can be transferred to her breast milk. This transfer can occur because THC is highly lipophilic, meaning it easily binds to fat, which is abundant in breast milk.
The implications of this transfer are concerning. Research indicates that THC can lead to long-term neurological issues for infants, including developmental delays and impaired motor skills. Additionally, exposure to THC through breast milk may result in poor sucking reflexes in infants, which can hinder their ability to feed effectively and may even slow their growth.
Health Recommendations
Given these potential risks, health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strongly advise against marijuana use during breastfeeding. They highlight that harmful chemicals can pass from mother to infant, not only through breast milk but also through secondhand smoke exposure. The consensus among healthcare professionals is clear: lactating mothers should refrain from consuming cannabinoids to protect their infants’ health.
The Legal Landscape and Public Perception
While marijuana use has been legalized in many states, the lack of regulation and standardization in cannabis products raises additional concerns. Many nonprescription CBD products, for instance, are not FDA-approved and may be inaccurately labeled, posing further risks to breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Moreover, the increasing acceptance of cannabis has led to a rise in its use among women of childbearing age, prompting a need for more comprehensive studies to understand the full impact of cannabis on both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, the current evidence strongly suggests that using marijuana while breastfeeding is not safe. The potential risks to infant health, including developmental delays and feeding difficulties, far outweigh any perceived benefits. Mothers are encouraged to seek alternative methods for managing pain or stress that do not involve cannabis, ensuring the well-being of their children during this critical developmental period. As research continues to evolve, it remains essential for new mothers to stay informed and prioritize their infants’ health above all.

What can you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How long after taking drugs can I breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
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.

Can smoke pass through breast milk?

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.

Should I still breastfeed if I vape?

E-cigarettes, vaping and breastfeeding
New mums are advised to use licensed NRT products for help with quitting smoking and staying smokefree. However, if you do choose to use an e-cigarette to help you stay smokefree, it’s still better to carry on breastfeeding as the benefits will outweigh any potential harm.

How long after smoking 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 do drugs stay in breastmilk?

A breastfeeding plan
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 marijuana?

Similar to alcohol, it is recommended that if a mother does occasionally use inhaled cannabis, she should wait three to four hours after use before breastfeeding to reduce how much THC is in her milk. Cannabis smoke, like tobacco smoke, is also unhealthy for babies (and all people) to be around.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I vape?

Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes can breastfeed their infants but should be encouraged to quit. If they are unable to quit, breastfeeding still provides numerous health benefits, and breast milk remains the recommended food for an infant.

Does breast milk have cannabinoids?

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 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.