Learning About the Health Effects of Using Cannabis While Breastfeeding

Cannabis, also called marijuana, is a drug that's made of the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant. People may use cannabis for medical or recreational reasons.

The two most active chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC changes how you think, act, and feel. It can make you feel very happy or "high." CBD can help you feel relaxed without the high.

If you are breastfeeding and using cannabis, THC and other chemicals pass to your baby through the breast milk in small amounts. Cannabis use includes smoking, vaping, taking edibles, and using oils, creams, or lotions.

Although research is limited, some studies suggest cannabis use may affect a baby’s brain growth and development. This may lead to hyperactivity, problems with thinking and remembering, and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.

Pumping and throwing away the milk isn’t a good way to keep your baby safe from the effects of cannabis. THC is stored in your body fat and slowly released. Because breast milk has fat, it can have THC for 6 days or longer after you use cannabis.

Your baby could also breathe in THC and other harmful chemicals from secondhand smoke or aerosol vaping mist. If you use cannabis oils, creams, or lotions, you can pass it to your baby through skin-to-skin contact. And cannabis use impairs your judgment, coordination, and decision-making. This can get in the way of caring for your baby.

Breastfeeding has many benefits. It gives your baby nutrients and may lower your baby's chances of getting an infection. It makes it less likely that your baby will have problems such as diabetes and obesity later in life. It also helps you bond with your baby.

If you are breastfeeding, it’s safest to avoid using cannabis in any form. If you use cannabis, try to quit. If you can’t quit, cut back as much as you can.

Here are some other things that you can do to help keep you and your baby safe and healthy.

• Find a doctor you can trust. It's important to feel safe and respected when talking about any issue, including cannabis use.
• Try to talk openly with your doctor if you use cannabis. This can help them better care for you. If you’re using cannabis to help with things like anxiety, stress, sleep, or chronic pain, your doctor can suggest another treatment.
• If you need help to quit or cut back, you and your doctor can decide on treatment options together.
• Think about counseling. A counselor can help you find healthy ways to manage emotions and make changes in your life. You may get counseling in a group or one-on-one.
• Ask for support. You could reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Or you could join a support group. Look for a group that is kind and helpful about cannabis use and being a new parent.
• Do not smoke or vape around your baby or in your house. Avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping.
• Don’t drive or care for your baby alone if you have used cannabis. And always store cannabis in a safe and secure place.
• Learn about the laws in your state. In the United States, it's against federal law to possess, sell, give away, or grow cannabis for any purpose. But many states allow medical use, and some states allow recreational use.
• Follow healthy habits. Eat a variety of healthy foods and limit caffeine. Try to get enough rest. Also get regular exercise. For example, you could try walking or swimming.
• Be sure to go to all doctor appointments. Regular checkups help your doctor find and treat problems early.