Effects of marijuana on breast milk?

Question

Does anyone have any websites they could point me to that deal with the effects of marijuana on breast milk? Don't worry, I'm not smoking pot and breast feeding my baby, but I have a friend who keeps telling me that it's alright, and I disagree. thnanks

Just to clarify, my friend doesn't have a child. I guess she just heard this from a hippie friend, and decided to share it with me since I'm pregnant.

That's weird how everyone assumed that she had a baby, or that I was thinking of doing this.... I'm not, I was just curious about the effects. This is my first pregnancy and I guess I just want to know all the answers, so that whatever comes up I can have an educated response to. Not just a saying no, it's not good for you and leaving it at that, but being able to tell others why I've made my decision.

Answer 1

Isn't it amazing how presumptuous and judgmental people can be. Last night I was curious about Red Bull and breastfeeding and got called all sorts of names. I was just trying to make a point about the negative views of energy drinks, and tolerated views of cokes and alcohol.

Anyway, your question:

Street drugs are usually not all they say they are, they can be laced with other drugs or substances that can hurt the baby. Long term use builds up in the mother and baby's system and can harm motor development by age 1 and, HELLO, impair the mother's ability to mother!!!

Any kind of smoking increases the baby's risk of dying of SIDS by 50%. You can also get arrested, which probably isn't in the best interest of the baby.

There aren't a whole lot of studies yet, so the websites are few and far between.

There you go, you pot-smoking, ignorant hippy. Just Kidding!!!

Answer 2

Well I don't know were to go for that info. Some studdys say THC is excreated threw breast milk but other say it is not. My mom smoked and breast feed me when i was a baby. The only thing that she saw and I now see with my baby is they are really fat and like to eat a lot. I have not noticed any extra sleepyness or anything else. I was ahead of the game developmentaly and so is my baby now. My personal opintion and yes i know a lot of you are not going to like this but Marijuana is no diffent then taking Herbs heck it is an herb. There is nothing wrong with it. So smoke up and be happy. Children from what I can tell have no negitive effect from it, but every child is differnt. Just keep an eye on your little one and thye should be fine.

Answer 3

Marijuana is a drug, the same as nicotine and alcohol. Like other drugs, it should be avoided during pregnancy and also while breast-feeding. The few studies that have been done on marijuana and breast-feeding indicate that the active ingredient (THC) in marijuana does pass to the baby through breast milk. A little bit of marijuana use seems to impact the baby only a little. However, THC does build up in the bloodstream, so the more you smoke it, the more your baby gets it through your breast milk.

There is little research on the impact marijuana may have on your baby. However, some studies show that newborn animals exposed to marijuana through their mother’s milk have changes to brain cell structure. In addition, babies exposed to marijuana may have developmental delays, be jittery and/or sleepy. Babies exposed to marijuana in breast milk may be too sleepy to suck to get enough food, to wake up for feedings, or even to finish a feeding. In additon, marijuana seems to lessen a mother's milk supply.

Even if you decide not to breastfeed, and to smoke marijuana around your baby, your baby will be getting the active ingredient in marijuana through the secondhand smoke. In addition, you may not respond to your baby's needs as quickly if you're 'high.' Because the effects of marijuana in breast milk have not been determined, marijuana should be avoided while breast-feeding. If you are smoking marijuana to deal with motherhood, please seek help. The following tips will help you avoid marijuana while breast-feeding.

Think about your baby. You may not care whether you get ‘high’ or experience side effects from marijuana, but your baby doesn’t have that choice. By breast-feeding and smoking marijuana, you may be causing serious damage to your baby.


Change your lifestyle. If your friends, family members or partner smoke marijuana, ask them to take it elsewhere. Make your house a no smoking building. If you worry about being lonely, consider joining a mother’s group for conversation and friends until your baby is older.

Get professional help. If you are having problems not smoking marijuana seek help. Call a drug helpline, speak to your care provider, find a rehab facility or speak to a counselor.

Answer 4

The best information on drugs and medications in breast milk that I ever found was from Dr. Hale. http://www.ibreastfeeding.com/html/tom_hale.html or http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/index.html His site used to have forums that included questions and answers about specific drugs but it's been years since I was last over there.

You might also try the American Academy on Pediatrics site: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/3/776?fulltext=the+transfer+of+drugs&searchid=QID_NOT_SET.

But being as marijuana is not legal for anyone to use...

Answer 5

Tell your friend to go to www.fda.gov and there are some things there as well as the government site for the DEA as well.I'm the mother of a nurse and I as well as he say that it does cross over into the breast milk everything she eats ,breathes will affect a baby in and out of utero

Answer 6

No its not alright to breast feed your baby while smoking pot and taking any other drugs. The baby will test positive for THC and the baby can and should be removed from its parents. THC goes to the breast milk and it has the same effects on the babys brain growth. I understand shes your friend but the baby is the one without a voice. If you dont report her to DHS you should at least report her to the babies doctor so he/she can test the baby. If you say or do nothing if the baby dies of sids, overdose, or has brain damage it will be as much your fault as the mothers for sitting back and doing nothing. If you choose to do or say nothing I hope you have a hard time living with yourself daily!

Answer 7

Anything you ingest while breastfeeding will get into the babys sytem.If/when she quits the baby will have withdrawl symptoms(sad isn't it?).I had a friend who smoked(pot) occasionally while she was pregnant and while breastfeeding.She noticed that when she smoked and breastfed the baby threw up way more often.When she would quit smoking for a few weeks the baby stopped throwing up all the time.She was only smoking a small amount,but it was definitely affecting him.It's not good for the baby,but at least your friend is not drinking or using hard drugs.I wish you good luck.

Answer 8

hopefully your friend will listen when you find answers. I know a girl who not only smoked pot while pregnant with all her kids, but did other drugs as well, thinking it didn't matter. Nobody can get through to her and since her babies were all good sized, she thinks everyone is just "talking sh@t". It makes my blood boil. CPS has been called but I don't know how she keeps getting out of having her kids taken away.

Answer 9

anything you ingest can affect your baby. that's why it's recommended to avoid spicy foods while breastfeeding until you know how the baby will react. it's suggested that you eat a healthy diet, full of a variety of foods all thru pregnancy & breastfeeding.
i think that says enough to make it obvious that smoking pot would be a bad move - and could quite possibly cause irreversible harm to your baby

Answer 10

http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20030325/marijuana-may-harm-fetus

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20061120/marijuana-may-affect-memory

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/tc/Breast-Feeding-When-To-Call-a-Doctor

We know that many things pass through breast milk to babies, that what mom eats, baby eats too. Stands to follow it would be the same for the pot.

The last web page listed above talks about taking things no stronger than Tylenol... and pot is definitely stronger!

It sounds like your friend needs help, whether she's got a baby or someday will have one, she needs some loving education. pIf she is breastfeeding or will be soon and is using pot, please talk to her doctor or someone who can get her and her baby help!!! God bless you.