Breastfeeding and Marijuana
There are very few reasons a mother cannot breastfeed her infant if she desires. Whenever possible, breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as the preferred exclusive feeding method for the first six months of life and for at least the first year in combination with the introduction of solid foods.
However, smoking marijuana (or using any other illicit drug) is an absolute contraindication, meaning that no mother should ever breastfeed at the same time she is smoking marijuana. Marijuana is on the AAP’s list of “Drugs of Abuse Contraindicated During Breastfeeding.” The AAP Committee on Drugs has determined that the harmful effects of marijuana on the baby outweigh the enormous benefits of breastfeeding.
The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is concentrated in breast milk, which means it can be passed on to the baby and later found in the infant’s urine and stool. In fact, a baby’s urine drug screen will be positive for 2-3 weeks after a baby drinks affected breast milk. Additionally, studies have shown that marijuana lingers in the mother’s body. THC is stored in body fat and is detectable in the urine for weeks after smoking, although this depends on the frequency of use, the mother’s metabolism, and how much of the drug is smoked. There is very little data on how long THC remains present in breast milk after smoking marijuana, so it’s best to avoid it completely.
Marijuana can cause long-lasting developmental effects in your baby’s growing brain. Studies have shown that babies who are exposed to marijuana through breast milk have decreased motor development at 1 year old. Furthermore, a mother who is under the influence of marijuana is likely impaired in her ability to care for her infant, putting the baby in even more danger. Beyond breastfeeding, infants can suffer negative effects by just inhaling the secondhand smoke, so babies should be kept away from anyone smoking the drug.
Sources:
- Toxicology Data Network
- Drugs and pollutants in breast milk.
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