what side effects will smoking marijuana (by nursing mother) have on newborn breastfeeding infant?

Answer 1

Marijuana is on the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs (2001) list of Drugs of Abuse for Which Adverse Effects on the Infant During Breastfeeding Have Been Reported. The AAP notes "Only 1 report in literature; no effect mentioned; very long half-life for some components."

Separate from the direct, chemical effects of marijuana on a baby, use of marijuana may affect a mother's ability to be able to properly care for her baby. Maternal judgment may be impaired.

Any secondhand smoke the baby is exposed to increases the amount of the drug your baby receives. 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.

The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, will be stored in mom's fat tissues for long periods (weeks to months) and will build up in the body with continued use. Small to moderate secretion into breastmilk has been documented, and THC is concentrated in human milk. According to Hale, analysis of breastmilk from chronic heavy users indicated an eight-fold concentration in milk compared to mom's blood plasma, however the dose received by baby was insufficient to produce significant side effects. Studies have shown significant absorption and metabolism in infants, although long term effects have not been shown.

Marijuana can cause sleepiness in the baby, which can lead to slow weight gain and possibly slow overall development in the baby long term. In addition, babies whose mothers smoke marijuana regularly have a higher risk of SIDS.

Hale reports a possibility of decreased milk production. In animals, THC decreases the amount of milk produced by suppressing the production of prolactin and, possibly, by a direct action on the mammary glands.

There is significant brain growth occurring during a baby's first months of life; marijuana may alter brain cells. Animal studies (on babies whose mothers' milk contained THC) have shown that DNA and RNA metabolism may also be affected and the proteins needed for proper growth and development impaired.

After a breastfeeding mother uses marijuana, THC is evident in her baby's urine and stools (Perez-Reyes and Wall, 1982). Infants exposed to marijuana via breast milk will test positive in urine screens for long periods (2-3 weeks).

One study (Astley and Little, 1990) found that exposure to marijuana through their mother's milk during the first month of life resulted in decreased motor development at one year of age. In another study of 27 infants evaluated at 1 year of age who were exposed to marijuana via breastmilk (compared to 35 nonexposed infants), no significant differences were found in terms of age at weaning, growth, and mental or motor development. Follow-up of these infants has been limited.

Long-term effects of marijuana exposure through breastmilk are unknown.

Answer 2

Since marijuana is fat soluble, it concentrates in breast milk. Measurements have shown that there is roughly 3 times the amount of marijuana in breast milk as there is in the mother’s blood stream. This substance then concentrates in the baby’s brain, but no studies have been done to show whether this has any effect on the baby’s behavior. Use in pregnancy has been linked to attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities, suggesting an effect on the developing brain, but no studies on the long term effects of using marijuana while breast feeding are available. Such studies would not be permitted because of the ethical problems involved. A doctor, with the help of a toxicology lab, would be able to detect the marijuana in the baby’s urine up to several days after ingestion through breast milk, depending on the amount and frequency marijuana is used by the mother. Most would not be able to tell just by looking at the baby, unless the baby were lethargic and had poor muscle tone.
We would highly recommend breastfeeding the infant and abstaining from the marijuana at least until breastfeeding is discontinued at about a year or whenever the mom and baby decide to wean for other reasons.

We do not recommend stopping breastfeeding so that smoking marijuana can be continued.

Answer 3

Smoking pot will not alter genes. (which means it cannot cause genetic problems) If you have issues with him smoking- then don't have children with him. If it's bothering you now, imagine how you'll feel while you're taking care of a new born and you hear the *flick, flick* of the lighter. I'm tolerant of occasional marijuana use, but I'll be damned if I'm stuck taking care of the kids while the fiance is off in high-land.

Answer 4

I personally wouldn't do it...but I believe that marijuana is a natural substance that should be legalised. Approach this with the same caution you do alcohol, and you should be fine. There will be plenty of time to indulge after you give your baby the best gift in the world...breastmilk, bonding and secure attachment.


Good Luck!

Answer 5

CPS will take the child away.
Marijuana will also kill braincells in the developing brain of a baby hence probably creating a child with developmental delays.

Answer 6

I'm praying to God it's not you. Just for the well being of your child. It's completely unhealthy. But, what' s not these days. Don't be a fool!

Answer 7

Nothing like giving your child Brain Damage before they have a start in life, not to mention low immune system, among many other problems like addiction......

Answer 8

You're an idiot and you should have your kid taken away from you. Its idiots like you that should be sterilized and never allowed to come in contact with kids.

Answer 9

I hope the police find you!