Does marijuwana go into your breast milk, is iit bad for the infant?

Question

all i need to know is if it is safe to breastfeed after you smoke a bowl, it is for a friend, please help thank you

Answer 1

Marijuana use is widespread, but it's important that you understand the implications of its use during lactation. As a general rule, you should abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (most prescription and over-the-counter medications, and all recreational kinds) during pregnancy and lactation.

There are few published reports on the effects of marijuana on breastfed infants. Some studies suggest that one-time use of marijuana leaves only minute amounts of THC, the active component in marijuana.

THC is fat-soluble, which means it builds up in the body with chronic use. After a breastfeeding mother uses marijuana, THC is evident in her baby's urine and stools (Perez-Reyes and Wall, 1982).

Any secondhand smoke the baby is exposed to increases the amount of the drug he receives. And animal studies indicate that marijuana may suppress lactation. It stands to reason that an infant exposed to large quantities of secondhand smoke could become too lethargic to nurse. The combined effects of less breast milk and less suckling from the infant could further depress the mother's milk supply and create problems for the baby.

Because street drugs are rarely pure, marijuana may be laced with other drugs or substances that can also be harmful to the breastfeeding baby. One fairly recent study associated marijuana exposure through mother's milk in a baby's first month of life with decreased motor development at age one. Another concern, unrelated to feeding, is the probability that marijuana intoxication will impair a mother's ability to care for her baby.

Ideally, the entire family should abstain from alcohol or recreational drug use, especially in the formative first year of a baby's life. Your baby needs the healthiest start possible, one in which your breast milk is not tainted with alcohol or drugs. Your baby deserves to have both parents in the best of health and to be safe from any harm that alcohol or drugs might cause, such as driving while under the influence of either.

If you choose to have an occasional glass of wine or beer while breastfeeding, knowing the risks, it's up to you. But marijuana use is not acceptable under any circumstances.

Answer 2

Any type of smoking around babies or children is not advisable.
The marijuana would not be much more harmful as ordinary cigarettes.
Of course it would rely greatly on how much was smoked and its level of T.H.C.
Alcohol is actually far more harmful and addictive for the baby and Mum.
I would recommend that none of these be used if the choice has been made to breastfeed.
It is something that should always be considered before making the choice to breastfeed.
I would also say drinking more than 3 cups of tea or coffee per day would also be harmful.I suggest the acquiring of a complete list of non recommended dietary items and medications from the Community Infant Welfare Nurse.
As the child grows he/she will be aware that Mum is smoking marijuana.
Unless she wants to be embarrassed, the day that the bong/pipe is taken by the child to school and proudly displayed at Show and Tell.Along with the innocent disclosure and display of what Mum does.She should perhaps give it up.
This happens far more often than you may think.
Teachers are then under pressure to report it to the principal or directly to the police
I would encourage her to give up smoking anything. Children seem to have an uncanny perception of what is normal and acceptable behaviour with parents.More so than regarding themselves.
If it is illegal in your state or country, and she is busted. It is likely she will be charged with possession and smoking. Also with putting a minor at risk.
This could very easily lead to the child being put into protective custody.Until your friend completes a rehabilitation program by order of the court.
Your friend has the information, but only she can make the choice.

Answer 3

I am going to give you the truth. Breastfeeding is always best. It is best for you and the baby if there are no bottles at all used while establishing a bond with your baby. The baby will love feeling close to you so please don't take that away from them unless necessary as there are medical reasons. Your husband can always help out if you want to express into a bottle but it is hard work expressing so save that for times when he is around and you want to sleep or have a nice bath or walk or some time to yourself. If you (or your husband) is embarrassed about breastfeeding in public then express into a bottle for the times you will be away from home. Breast milk is best for young babies for their immune system, I breastfed my babies and they didnt get a cold during the time they were breastfed. Of course a breastfed baby can still catch a cold, but I was just telling you about my own experience. One thing is not present at all in breast milk that is in most formulas is iron. But a baby will store enough iron during the time they are inside you to last them around 6 months. At 6 months I would be sure to be feeding him iron enriched foods like brocoli and baby rice cereal with iron, just check the labels. Otherwise you may want to mix feed or swap to formula then. I wouldnt mix the milks together though. Just one feed of formula and then a breast milk feed at next feed. You will find what suits you best.. Hope I have been able to help.

Answer 4

Yes it does go into your breast milk. Although, there hasn't been enough studies on it so nobody knows what affects it could have on the baby. I did research before when I was pregnant and found that most Jamaican woman smoke marijuana when there pregnant because they think its good for the baby.

Answer 5

If you are pregnant and are still using marijuana, you can be arrested if anyone finds out as it is considered child abuse. The same goes with nursing and smoking. Besides that, would you consider yourself responsible enough to care for your newborn while under the influence of any drug?
Yes! Pot goes directly into your milk and to your baby. This can also be a reason for your child to be removed from your care

Answer 6

Studies say no its not safe at all. I knew a girl who's sister did it a few times (mind you her dad was also a doctor) and her daughter is a perfectly health 10 year old now. But I'd use your wise judgment on it. Its not the smartest thing you could do.

The recommend that breastfeeding mothers after drinking or anything pump one time to have new flow that is not effected.

Answer 7

If you are smoking or around someone and breathing it in than yes it's going into the milk. To say it nicely as I can it's not right , fair or safe for that baby and that's all I will say.

Answer 8

When your breastfeeding everything you put into your body affects your milk. Your friend. Now a mother, needs to act that way and be responsible. Pot is not good for the mind, body, or baby and is illegal. If someone doesn't know better than this. Then they shouldn't have children. I feel sympathy for that child.

Answer 9

Yes marijuana goes through breast milk, as does everything else. It results in slower motor development. Anything you smoke increases your childs risk of SIDS. Hold off on toking till you can give the baby some formula, seriously its not that long

Answer 10

No, not worth the risk...anything that the mother takes into her body can end up in her breastmilk..she shouldn't be smoking weed anyways! It's not legal, hello??