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When can I breastfeed after getting high?

Understanding the Risks of Breastfeeding After Using Marijuana
The question of when it is safe to breastfeed after using marijuana is a complex one, steeped in concerns about the potential effects on infants. As more states legalize cannabis, many new mothers are left wondering about the implications of their choices on breastfeeding.
Marijuana and Breast Milk
Research indicates that substances consumed by a breastfeeding mother can transfer into breast milk, including marijuana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that using marijuana while breastfeeding may allow harmful chemicals to pass from mothers to infants. This is particularly concerning given that the American Academy of Pediatrics has classified marijuana as a drug of abuse, noting potential adverse effects on infants.
Timing and Recommendations
Experts generally recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid marijuana use altogether. If a mother does choose to use marijuana, it is advised to wait at least 2 to 3 days before breastfeeding again. This timeframe is suggested to allow the THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) to diminish in the body and, consequently, in breast milk. However, this is not a definitive guideline, as individual metabolism can vary significantly.
Potential Effects on Infants
The potential risks of marijuana exposure through breast milk include developmental issues and other health concerns for the infant. While some anecdotal reports suggest that occasional use may not lead to significant harm, the consensus among health professionals is to err on the side of caution. The long-term effects of marijuana exposure during breastfeeding are still not fully understood, making it a risky choice for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, while some mothers may feel comfortable using marijuana, the safest approach is to avoid it while breastfeeding. If use occurs, waiting a minimum of 2 to 3 days before breastfeeding can help mitigate risks. Ultimately, the health and safety of the infant should be the primary concern, and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is always recommended.

How long after getting high can you breastfeed?

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.

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.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

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 should I wait to breastfeed after Adderall?

To minimize your infant’s exposure, you can either breastfeed or pump right before taking your dose or after the peak concentration passes. That means waiting one to two hours for immediate release and six to eight hours for extended release.

How long do drugs stay in your breast milk?

If you take cocaine while drinking alcohol, your body makes a substance called cocaethylene, which will stay in your body longer than cocaine does. Methamphetamine remains in human milk for up to 4 days after use. Prescribed Ritalin® (methylphenidate) remains in human milk for about 21 hours after use.

How long to wait to breastfeed after vaping?

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 much cannabinoids are in breast milk?

Mean baseline milk Δ9-THC concentration after the 12-hour cannabis abstention was 36.5 (48.0) ng/mL (Table 1, Fig. 2). Mean concentration after initial cannabis use (post-cannabis use) was 104.4 (126.3) ng/mL. Participants’ average Δ9-THC concentration in milk after cannabis use ranged from 2.9 to 312.6 ng/mL (Fig.

How long to wait after smoking to hold a baby?

They should change their outer clothes on return, wash their hands and rinse their mouth – traces of smoke can linger on clothing and then be released back into the atmosphere of the room they’re in for up to three hours after smoking. After smoking they should wait at least 25 minutes before handling a 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.

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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