A new clinical report from the american academy of pediatrics warns women that using marijuana while they are pregnant or breastfeeding could. Since your babys brain and body may store thc for a long time, you shouldnt use marijuana while you re pregnant or breastfeeding. Why pregnant and nursing mothers shouldnt smoke marijuana. Breastfeeding mothers often receive conflicting advice about whether alcohol consumption can have an effect on their baby. Is smoking weed while breastfeeding dangerous for your baby. According to us government data, about one in 20 women report using marijuana during pregnancy.
Any secondhand smoke the baby is exposed to increases the amount of the drug your baby receives. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks outrage. Instead, im going to walk you through the various arguments for and against consuming cannabis while breastfeeding and then relay some firsthand testimonials exclusive to. Everything you need to know to make the best choices for you and your baby weiner md, carl p. Aug 04, 2017 further research is needed, but you should be aware of the possible risks that marijuana poses to your baby if you use it while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Breastfeeding protects your baby against repertory problems that can arise from inhaling secondhand smoke. But even if you can t quit smoking, breastfeeding your baby is still the best choice you can make. Even though you re a new mom with new responsibilities, your health still matters, too.
Marijuana use is not safe if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Shortly after being published, the photo started going viral. Information about using marijuana while pregnant or. Herbs to avoid during pregnancy and lactation the lists below are not allinclusive, but will provide a general guideline of some of the most commonly used western herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. One infant was exclusively breastfed and the other 3 were mostly. Although studies on cannabis and the growing fetus are still minimal, choosing to use medical marijuana is a serious decision. The complete guide to medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I didnt smoke during pregnancy but have had the occasional smoke once every few months while breastfeeding, i know a couple of friends who have too. Share your questions and concerns with mnt so we can provide helpful information for you. People began posting comments both criticizing and supporting the mother for smoking weed while breastfeeding.
No easy answers about cannabis use and breastfeeding. While some moms say smoking the drug helps them unwind and cope with the daily stresses of being a parent, health experts advise its not safe to use weed while breastfeeding, and that it should. Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. Marijuana and breastfeeding smoking weed while breastfeeding. Information presented in this article is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. Where can i search for specific medications and their safety in mothers while breastfeeding. Heres what you need to know about using marijuana while. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol cbd in any form while breastfeeding. I am not a doctor, so im not here to give you medical advice. Some experts expressed the opinion that smoking marijuana while breastfeeding leads to such consequences as weight loss, leukemia and neurobehavioral damage. An excellent resource for information about the safety of drugs during breastfeeding is dr. Smoke weed as a breastfeeding mama, and the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol thcthe ingredient in cannabis that activates cannabinoid receptors in your brain to produce mindaltering side effects from euphoria to panicgoes into your bloodstream.
Some marijuana can make people feel very sleepy when they are high. Therefore, if women are using marijuana during pregnancy or. Regular use of weed marijuana is generally not considered safe in pregnancy or lactation. Sixtyeight infants whose mothers reported smoking marijuana during breastfeeding were compared to 68 matched control infants whose mothers did not smoke marijuana.
If you are wasted you shouldnt be taking care of a child period, no matter how that child is being fed. So we recommend not using marijuana during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your health care provider. However, doctors are conflicted when it comes to breastfeeding and marijuana use. The same thing applies whether you smoke weed or consume marijuana edibles or oil. Then, you can make the best decisions to help keep you and your baby safe. However the academy of breastfeeding medicine abm, 2015 explains that it is difficult to make recommendations for lactation due to scarce research on the effects of exposure of babies to marijuana via breastfeeding alone and not via pregnancy as well. Discard the milk you pump while you re taking the medication. There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking, both for you and your baby. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks. Marijuana appears in breast milk but the effects on baby are. A 20 clinical report by the american academy of pediatrics aap, the transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk.
The majority of people using marijuana think of it as a gateway drug which do not have any lasting effects on a human organism. Do not let anyone who is high take care of your baby. Smoking marijuana while breastfeeding what experts recommend. Traces of the active ingredient thc tetrahydrocannabinol will be passed on to your baby through your milk. The effects of smoking weed while breastfeeding wehavekids. Hopefully, youll consider actually reading this post before you comment. Yes, weed does gets into breastmilk, but theres been little research on how marijuana may impact a baby.
Mothers who use cocaine, heroin or pcp should not breastfeed, as their babies. While women are often warned not to consume alcohol during pregnancy due to evidence that it could cause damage to an unborn child, the risks of consuming alcohol while breastfeeding are not as well defined. A true scientific study would require two large groups of breastfeeding mothers, half randomly assigned to smoking marijuana while breastfeeding, and half assigned to not smoke while breastfeeding. The body processes marijuana slowly and stores it in fat, meaning that some of the chemicals may be present. If youd still like to use pot while breastfeeding, talk. Interview with dr hale, author of medications and mothers milk dr. Marijuana using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure.
Any accurate information that those involved in breastfeeding support can give her, will support her to maintain that change. Although cannabis can affect serum prolactin variably, it appears not to. Based on comments even from those who support marijuana use and legalization many dont support smoking weed while breastfeeding. Will they take your baby away if you test positive. Its very unlikely that its safe to smoke cannabis while youre breastfeeding. Although many drugs are safe to use when youre breastfeeding, most will get into your milk to some degree and may even affect your milk supply. This sheet talks about exposure to marijuana in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If moms use marijuana while breastfeeding it can be found in their breastmilk up to six days later. Things you can do to protect baby if you continue to smoke marijuana while breastfeeding try to cut down on the amount that you smoke. A woman recently posted a photo of herself ripping a bong while breastfeeding her baby. Apr 09, 2019 how does smoking weed while breastfeeding affect a baby.
Although it isnt the best thing to be using marijuana while breastfeeding, this one time probably wont negatively affect your daughter. And mothers out there are wondering under which circumstances medical or recreational cannabis use is safe while breastfeeding. Nov 14, 2016 how soon can you breastfeed after smoking weed. Most experts, including the american academy of pediatrics, advise nursing moms to abstain from cannabis while breastfeeding. Try to smoke away from your baby, as the secondhand smoke is even more harmful than the smoke that you are inhaling. Wherever fat cells are present, the thc dissolves and sticks around for a while. If you are wasted you shouldnt be taking care of a. In addition, the legal implications for women using marijuana in pregnancy are discussed with recommendations for the care of these patients. Marijuana, also called pot, weed, or cannabis, is a drug that comes from a plant called cannabis. If you have advance notice, pump in addition to breastfeeding and store expressed milk for use during that time.
The evidence that thc can pass into breast milk is more recent and definitive. Marijuana use is not safe if you re pregnant or breastfeeding. Jun 03, 2019 marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. It is legal for adults 21 or older to possess, consume and cultivate cannabis in california. But can having marijuana chemicals in ones breast milk affect the development and growth of their baby when they choose to breastfeed. Breastfeeding support will email you a regular newsletter with our latest news and articles.
Jan 06, 2020 using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Inhaling smoke of any kindwhether youre the one smoking or youre getting it secondhandis not healthy. Dec 04, 2017 experts recommend that you stop using marijuana while breastfeeding. Nevertheless, cannabis can also be used in therapy. Being high or buzzed while doing some activities can be risky. Is it safe for a breastfeeding mom to use marijuana. While we dont know a lot about how smoking marijuana while breastfeeding impacts the baby, the fact that no long term studies have been done does not mean there are no long term effects. Effects while pregnant or breastfeeding colorado marijuana. He is the author of a reference book called medications and mothers milk, and updates it every couple of years. The more you smoke, the more of an effect it could have on your baby. Also, because street drugs are rarely pure, marijuana may be laced with other drugs or substances that can also be harmful to the breastfeeding baby. While there are a lot questions about the benefits and the risks, the society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of canada sogc has come out with a definitive message for new moms and momstobe.
Apr 29, 2009 in most cases, when the mother uses drugs, the risks incurred by the infant outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding. If you answered no to any of these questions, then choosing not to use marijuana while breastfeeding is probably the best course of action for you and your baby. Cannabis drugs and lactation database lactmed ncbi bookshelf. The duration of breastfeeding varied, but the majority of infants were breastfeed for 3 months and received less than 16 fluid ounces of formula daily. Dont smoke weed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or around your. We examined studies pertaining to fetal growth, pregnancy outcomes, neonatal findings, and continued development of fetuses and neonates exposed to marijuana through adolescence. That means that potential problems could be a lot worse if you breastfeed and use weed today.
Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice in relation to drug use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Is it safe for mothers to use prescription medications while breastfeeding. Try smoking after a breastfeeding session, so that the drug has time to leave your system before you breastfeed again. Instead, im going to walk you through the various arguments for and against consuming cannabis while breastfeeding and then relay some firsthand testimonial. Marijuana and breastfeeding got breastfeeding problems. Jul 25, 2017 experts are also concerned about the longterm effects on the development of children exposed to these chemicals during breastfeeding.
Herbs to avoid during pregnancy and lactation herb lore. Marijuana, also called pot, weed, or cannabis, is a. Aug 02, 2017 doctors are limited in what can be said about the dangers of smoking marijuana, ryan noted, since research is scant. No relationship of marijuana use was connected to miscarriage, to apgar status, to neonatal complications, physical abnormalities, no impact on cognitive outcomes.
Because thc is stored in body fat, it stays in your body for a long time. You ve probably heard about lots of them from health care providers, friends, family members, or other sources. Photo of mom smoking weed while breastfeeding sparks outrage by. Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to both mothers and infants. Never expose your baby to the secondhand marijuana smoke. Information about using marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding we think its important for you to know the risks of using marijuana while you re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Indeed, medical cannabis can be prescribed for postoperative pain. Fda strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol cbd, tetrahydrocannabinol thc, and marijuana in. If you need to stop breastfeeding only temporarily, use a double electric breast pump to keep up your milk supply until you re able to breastfeed again. Therefore, drug abuse poses a threat for the health of both mother and child. However, it took us a while to understand the effects of tobacco or alcohol. Conservatives are usually against smoking weed while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides many immunities that help your baby fight illness and can even help counteract some of the effects of cigarette smoke on your baby. Everything you need to know to make the best choices for you and. Sep 06, 2019 is it okay to smoke weed while breastfeeding. Smoking, vaping, cannabis and breastfeeding when a mum quits smoking, shes making one of the biggest changes she can to improve her health, and the health of her baby. Experts are also concerned about the longterm effects on the development of children exposed to these chemicals during breastfeeding. Photo of woman smoking weed while breastfeeding goes viral. A study has also indicated that marijuana use can raise the chance of sids or sudden infant death syndrome.
There is also the combined effect of the tobacco and whatever else mixed with marijuana and smoke inhalation 14. Search or browse the list below for guidelines on taking individual medicines while breastfeeding. Women who regularly use marijuana may wonder if it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Jul 24, 2017 are you saying that there is a significant difference between consumption of alcohol while breastfeeding and smoking pot while breastfeeding. The official guideline is that breastfeeding women should not use cannabis. What you should know about using cannabis, including cbd. New mothers who smoke cannabis could pass on chemicals while. No, you can t smoke weed while you re breastfeeding. But using marijuana while breastfeeding may be better than switching to formula. In fact, many edibles contain higher amounts of thc than what you smoke. Researchers think that babies exposed to marijuana through breast milk may become sedated and unable to suck well.
The answer to your question op is yes, you can smoke weed while nursing a infant not at the same time obviously lol but whether or not you should is totally up to you because there are risks that havent been fully studied or determined. Since your babys brain and body may store thc for a long time, you shouldnt use marijuana while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Experts are unclear about the impact of a nursing mothers marijuana use on her baby. One study astley and little, 1990 found that exposure to marijuana. It appears that there is no clear answer about how consuming cannabis while breastfeeding will affect a baby. You should not use marijuana while you are pregnant, just like you should not use alcohol and tobacco. Nowadays, when smoking cannabis has been legalized in some states there are more and more breastfeeding mothers obsessed with this question. Things you can do if you are smoking and breastfeeding to protect your baby. It works via receptors in the brain that are important for brain development, she explained. An update on selected topics, external icon indicates that most medications and immunizations are safe to use during lactation. Professional handouts books kelly recommends support kellymom amazon portal free handouts donate. Cannabis levels and effects while breastfeeding summary of use during lactation the main psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol thc, is excreted into breastmilk in small quantities. Research suggests that marijuana can get into breast milk, which means that it may not be safe to use while breastfeeding. The active ingredient in marijuana, thc, will be stored in moms fat.
Interview with dr hale, author of medications and mothers. What you should know about using cannabis, including cbd, when pregnant or breastfeeding. Are you smoking marijuana while breastfeeding or smoking pot while breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor for health and breastfeeding advice. Although many drugs are safe to use when you re breastfeeding, most will get into your milk to some degree and may even affect your milk supply. If you are 18 or older, you can use cannabis if you have a current qualifying physicians recommendation or a valid. This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how cps will be involved. The complete guide to medications during pregnancy and. While sometimes occasional marijuana use is fine, in many cases babies that are exposed to thc may exhibit decreased motor function before one year of age as well as lower iq scores, lower birth weight, and increased hyperactivity. Marijuana also called pot, weed, and cannabis is the most commonly used, illegal drug used today. Obviously you shouldnt be smoking marijuana, but dont let a one time screw up ruin the breastfeeding relationship you may have with your daughter.
Marijuana is now legal for adults over 21 b ut this doesnt mean it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding moms or babies. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to quit as soon as possible. Marijuana is legal in half of the states in the us and legalish in 16 other countries around the world. It is not safe for your baby to sleep with you, especially if you are high. The duration of detection of thc in milk has ranged. I suspect you think this is harsh and unlikely and so did i, untill they did it to my daughter. The active ingredient in marijuana, thc, will be stored in moms fat tissues for long periods weeks to months and will build up in the body with continued use. This may raise questions about the safety of common treatments while nursing. To be safe, check with your pediatrician before taking any kind of prescription or overthecounter medication, herbal or dietary supplement, or vitamin.
We have prepared an article, in which you will find the answer to each question, starting from the risks up to the adverse smoking effects. Oct 10, 2009 studies done on the effects of thc on a fetusbreastfed baby have been inconclusive, mainly because most mothers who smoke marijuana while pregnant breastfeeding also smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, andor do other illegal drugs, which makes it impossible to tell what complications arise from the marijuana and what are from the other substances. Smoking weed exposes an infant to inhaling the drug via secondhand smoke in addition to ingesting small amounts via breast milk. In this study, they found that there was minimal impact up to three years old in those children whose mothers used marijuana while breastfeeding. However, mothers who breastfeed and smoke marijuana either to get pleasure or cure some chronic disease, usually ask themselves whether they can smoke weed while breastfeeding. Thats because when you smoke or eat marijuana, pots main ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol or thc, circulates through your bloodstream and gets into your breast milk. No matter how you view marijuana and no matter its place in your lifestyle, it is worth carefully considering if its use should continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Smoking weed while breastfeeding breastfeeding support. Because where i live, the government says you can safely have two units of alcohol and breastfeed. Using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure.
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