What are the effects of weed while breastfeeding?

The Effects of Cannabis Use While Breastfeeding
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread across the United States, an increasing number of women of childbearing age are using marijuana. However, the implications of cannabis use during breastfeeding raise significant health concerns for both mothers and infants.
Potential Risks to Infants
Research indicates that using marijuana while breastfeeding can pose serious risks to infants. The primary concern is that harmful chemicals from cannabis can transfer from the mother to the baby through breast milk. Studies have shown that the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, can be significantly higher in breast milk than in maternal blood, with some reports indicating a milk-to-plasma ratio as high as 8:1 in heavy users. This means that infants may be exposed to levels of THC that could affect their development.
Moreover, the effects of cannabis on infants can manifest in various ways. Reports suggest that breastfed infants may experience sedation, growth delays, and issues with sucking. These effects can hinder an infant’s ability to feed effectively, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and developmental delays. Additionally, there are concerns about long-term neurological impacts, including developmental delays and motor skill issues.
Impact on Milk Production
Cannabis use may also affect a mother’s ability to produce milk. Some studies suggest that THC can suppress prolactin production, a hormone crucial for milk synthesis. This suppression could lead to decreased milk supply, further complicating breastfeeding efforts and potentially impacting the infant’s growth and health.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given these potential risks, health organizations, including the CDC, advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid using marijuana and products containing CBD (cannabidiol). The rationale behind this recommendation is to minimize any possible exposure to harmful substances that could adversely affect an infant’s health.
For mothers who are using cannabis, it is recommended to consider reducing or stopping use while breastfeeding. This approach not only protects the infant from potential harm but also supports the mother’s overall health and well-being during this critical period.
Conclusion
While the societal acceptance of cannabis continues to grow, the health implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants cannot be overlooked. The evidence suggests that cannabis use during breastfeeding carries significant risks, including potential developmental issues and reduced milk production. As such, it is crucial for mothers to make informed decisions and consult healthcare providers regarding cannabis use during this sensitive time.

How long will 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.

Are cannabinoids 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.

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.

Does vaping pass through breast milk?

Nicotine and other chemicals from e-cigarettes pass rapidly into breast milk and can interfere with your milk supply. When babies get doses of nicotine from breast milk and from passive smoking, they are more likely to get ear and lung infections, vomiting, diarrhoea and increased irritability.

What drugs can pass through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What passes through breast milk to a baby?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Can smoke pass through breast milk?

Using tobacco or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit.

Can you breastfeed and smoke 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.

How long do you have to 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.

What should 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.