A mom writes in asking for advice about smoking marijuana while breastfeeding. She says her mother-in-law brought a concern to light about this mom’s (the OP’s) brother-in-law’s wife. Her MIL caught this woman smoking marijuana at her house, even though she is currently breastfeeding a baby. Both the OP and her MIL are concerned about the baby and wondering if they should say something, and if so, what?
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A member of the community asks:
“Is smoking marijuana while breastfeeding safe?
My mother-in-law called my husband, and I am asking for advice on what to do. My brother-in-law and his wife have a two-month-old baby girl, and we all just found out she’s breastfeeding and smoking marijuana around the baby. My mother-in-law asked her about it when she observed her smoking at her house, and she told her that only a small percentage of TCH ends up in the baby’s system.
She seemed slightly offended that she brought it up to her. She left my mother-in-law’s house and went to a friend’s house to continue smoking. My mother-in-law wants to talk to both of them and tell them she doesn’t think it’s right that she’s smoking, but she doesn’t know if she should speak up. She’s concerned for the baby. Any advice?”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Is Wondering if Smoking Marijuana While Breastfeeding Is Safe
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom who wants to know if smoking marijuana while breastfeeding is safe, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice on the topic of smoking marijuana while breastfeeding. Read some of their responses below.
“It’s none of your guys’ business. I use cannabis and breastfed my first for 17 months. He’s over 2 years old now and extremely smart and healthy. I also exclusively breastfeed my 4-month-old and still use cannabis and he’s healthy and meeting milestones early. As long as she’s not using it around the baby, I see no issue and what she chooses to do isn’t up to any of you.”
“I work in an OB office and THC def transfers from breast milk into baby. Even more than alcohol actually. A lot of drugs transfer from breast milk. I also have a good friend in CPS and she confirmed that as well.”
“Is she taking any meds?? Ibuprofen, narcotic pain meds, any meds whatsoever? Because pharmaceuticals transfer to breast milk. The danger here isn’t the cannabis, it’s uninformed individuals.”
“I smoked marijuana while I was breastfeeding my youngest daughter. I also smoked that entire pregnancy because my hyperemesis gravidarum was so severe. She’s fine. My sister did with all three of my nieces and nephew, they’re fine. It’s safer than any kind of pill or medication made by a pharmaceutical company.”
“It’s TRUE that only a small amount of THC gets into the milk… in addition to the fact that cannabinoids are NATURALLY produced and found in breastmilk. Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are way worse. Some research should be done before they stick their nose into business that isn’t theirs.”
“It’s not her place. I know plenty of wonderful mothers that not only smoked marijuana while pregnant but have continued while breastfeeding. I have not ever seen a single thing wrong with any of those babies.”
“Cannabinoids (which is in marijuana) are naturally produced in all breast milk. Her smoking pot and breastfeeding will not hurt the baby at all. She shouldn’t be smoking pot in the home with the baby though. If she is smoking pot, I’m sure that her doctor is aware already. I use marijuana products (CBD edibles and oil) and I’m pregnant…
… My OB is aware and is fine with it. She just said to use edibles and oils instead of smoking because any kind of smoke is bad for baby. She knows there are tons of benefits from CBD products (which have low or no THC in them). It’s helped me eat despite how sick I’ve been my whole pregnancy…
… I’ve used CBD products through pretty much all of my pregnancies now (I have 7 children including the one I’m pregnant with currently) because of how violently sick I get, and it helps keep me out of the hospital from dehydration and malnutrition. It’s also helped with my horrible migraines and my anxiety and has kept me off pharmaceutical/prescription drugs that are actually harmful to babies…
… There is nothing wrong with using CBD products (which is what it sounds like she is using since you mentioned low THC content) while pregnant or breastfeeding. Most OBs actually prefer the use of marijuana products like edibles and oils over the use of prescription drugs now.”
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