Breastfeeding and Marijuana
Breastfeeding and Marijuana can have life long –not just temporary– effects on your baby. And while having a new baby can be very stressful for any new or experienced mum, if you want to continue to breastfeed you may need to find another way to escape it all.
Smoking marijuana while breastfeeding has been linked to changes in the brain structure and development of babies and their cell growth.
Babies whose mums are smoking cannabis may seem very tired and weak. They may not have regular feeding patterns, sometimes feeding frequently and other times not feeding often at all. These babies will also test positive to urine samples after just one breastfeed and they will continue to test positive for a few weeks.
Marijuana can also affect the hormone which helps your body produce breast milk. Lots of mums find that it leads to a low milk supply.
If you are smoking occasionally you may be able to express your breast milk before smoking and leave your baby with a carer for a few hours, until the effects have worn off. It's best not to breastfeed again until the marijuana leaves your body completely.
If you want to continue breastfeeding you might find it helpful to express your breast milk while you are away from your baby and offer frequent feeds when you do start feeding again to try and maintain your breast milk supply.
If you are smoking consistently it may be best to stop breastfeeding and offer formula to your baby instead, this may be something to discuss with your health professional. Again, it's a good idea to leave your baby with a carer while smoking so that you can be sure his or her needs are being met in your absence.
While the benefits of breastfeeding are huge, and I'm here to empower and encourage any mother who wants to or is trying to breastfeed, marijuana simply doesn't allow your body to produce healthy breast milk.
Please plan ahead if you choose to smoke.
Please always remember to consult your health professional or contact your local poisons information office to find out information that is relevant to your specific situation.
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