Having a baby is an exciting time. After pregnancy, many new mothers look forward to doing some of the things they missed — like sipping a strong coffee or returning to their favorite yoga class. But not everything from your pre-pregnancy life is safe to return right away. One important thing to avoid is smoking weed also called marijuana or cannabis while breastfeeding.
This article explains why it’s not considered safe, what effects weed can have on your baby, and what experts recommend.
Can You Smoke Weed While Breastfeeding?
If you used cannabis before pregnancy, you might be wondering if it’s okay to start again now that your baby is born. The answer is” No”, it’s not safe while you’re breastfeeding.
There isn’t enough scientific research to fully understand how weed affects babies through breast milk. Because of this lack of data, doctors and health organizations recommend avoiding it completely during breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the effects of weed on breastfed babies are unknown, so it’s better to stay away from it. Even with the growing availability of same day cannabis delivery, they say it’s risky and not worth the chance of harming your baby.
Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician, agrees. She explains that since weed passes into breast milk, babies are likely getting some of it when they nurse, because babies are small and still developing, even a little bit could affect their growth or behavior.
What Happens If You Use Weed While Breastfeeding?
The main chemical in weed is called *THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This chemical is what gives people a “high” feeling. THC is fat-soluble, which means it sticks to fat in the body — and breast milk has fat in it. This allows THC to stay in breast milk for up to six days, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
But THC isn’t the only concern. Dr. Tamika Cross, an OB-GYN, says weed can also contain harmful substances like heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides. This might be harmful to both mother and child.
Another problem is that using weed may affect your ability to take care of your baby. You might be more tired, forgetful, or less alert, which isn’t safe when caring for a newborn.
How Does Weed Affect the Baby?
Although more research is still needed, studies suggest that weed may affect the baby’s brain development. The FDA has warned that THC could lead to problems with attention, memory, and learning in growing children.
One small study looked at the breast milk of mothers who used weed. They found that babies who were breastfed could receive around 2.5% of the mother’s THC dose — even if the amount seems small, experts worry it could still affect a baby’s developing brain.
Even more concerning is that the long-term effects of THC on babies are still not fully understood. Some scientists believe that even small exposures during early development could lead to issues later in life, like hyperactivity or poor cognitive skills.
It’s also important to note that these studies measured THC in breast milk, not directly in the baby’s blood but it’s clear that babies are being exposed to it.
Can You Just “Pump and Dump”?
Some moms use the “pump and dump” method after drinking alcohol — meaning they pump out their milk and throw it away to avoid giving it to their baby. But this doesn’t work the same way for weed.
Because THC stays in your system and your milk for many days, pumping once or twice won’t get rid of it. Dr. Cross says there’s no reliable way to know exactly how long it takes for THC to leave your body, as it depends on each person’s body and how often they use weed.
In one study, THC was still found in breast milk up to 6 days after the mother last used weed.
What Do Health Experts Say?
Many top health organizations have strong warnings about using cannabis while breastfeeding:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says breastfeeding mothers should not use cannabis in any form.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agrees and advises against all marijuana use while breastfeeding.
- These groups also recommend avoiding products that contain CBD, another chemical found in cannabis.
What About CBD Oil?
CBD is often used to treat things like anxiety, pain, or trouble sleeping. It’s become very popular, but just like THC, CBD should be avoided while breastfeeding.
There is not enough study to prove that CBD is harmless to babies. Also, many CBD products might contain THC or other harmful substances, because the FDA does not regulate CBD strictly. This means what’s written on the label may not be fully accurate.
Even if a product says it’s THC-free, there’s no guarantee.
What If You’re Not Breastfeeding?
Even if you’re feeding your baby with formula, smoking weed is still not safe around infants.
Second-hand marijuana smoke can affect your baby just like second-hand tobacco smoke. It contains harmful chemicals that the babies can breathe in, which may harm their lungs or brain.
What If You Use Weed for Medical Reasons?
Some people use cannabis to treat medical problems like chronic pain, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. If this is your situation, talk to your doctor. There may be safer treatments available that won’t affect your baby.
Dr. Posner says that many other medications are safe to take while breastfeeding and can help with the same conditions that weed is used for. A strategy that is optimal for both your health and the safety of your unborn child can be developed in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Your baby’s health and brain development depend on your choice in these early months. Since the risks of weed use while breastfeeding are still being studied, it’s best to stay on the safe side.
Remember, your baby relies on you to stay healthy and alert. Making informed choices now can help your baby grow and thrive in the years ahead.
