Can Medical Marijuana Be Used While Breastfeeding?
Having a baby is one of the most joyous times in a mother’s life, and research shows that a new mother has an instant intuition to want to protect her baby. This includes wanting to provide him or her with the best nutrients possible.
Breast milk contains over 1,000 different proteins and nutrients that are crucial to the newborn’s brain development and maternal bonding.
The most common ones also have simulated versions that are chemically engineered in baby formulas such as:
- Choline– aids in synapse formation during the brain development phase
- Prebiotics- ensures a healthy mix of gut bacteria
- Lysozyme- protects against the development of E. coli
- Lactoferrin – limits the growth of gastrointestinal bacteria that thrive on iron
During breastfeeding a woman begins to encounter a highly imbalanced fluctuation of hormones, physiology symptoms, and mental states as the body attempts to return to normal.
These changes can become overwhelming when added to the sleepless nights and never-ending days ahead.
Why Some May Seek a More Holistic Approach
While becoming a new mother is a beautiful experience, it sometimes comes with hidden mental or physical challenges that may require an adjustment period for mom and baby alike.
On average it takes a woman between nine months to a year and a half to fully recover from pregnancy and childbirth.
Some women may also be dealing with a range of more commonly known mental health challenges that occur before or during pregnancy but extend past the postpartum period which can exacerbate the severity of symptoms.
- ADHD
- Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Physicians may recommend medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, which can have intolerable side effects for some women. As science shows an increase in recognized benefits, people are often turning to more natural or holistic approaches to treatment.
Image Credit: Unsplash: Jenna Norman
medical marijuana and breastfeeding - How can it help mothers?
According to a study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, several new mothers have decided to engage in smoking medical marijuana and breastfeeding as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain from waiting for the body to bounce back after childbirth.
Many mothers also face unexpected issues after a safe delivery such as postpartum depression, issues with proper latching, as well as sensitivities and/or irritation to the nipples or areola when breastfeeding.
Physicians have noted patients who use medical marijuana when properly prescribed can experience relief from a range of issues including:
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Psychosis (thoughts of harming your baby)
- Lack of maternal and infant bonding
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Ability to reach out for help
Is Medical Marijuana Considered Safe During Breastfeeding?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does discourage the use of breastfeeding and medical marijuana due to the fact that the main ingredient THC or tetrahydrocannabinol can pass from the mother’s milk into the baby’s bloodstream through feeding.
Some of the other possible side effects of marijuana exposure in breastfeeding newborns is the indirect exposure to items like:
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Bacteria
- Cognitive issues
Can Babies Experience Growth Effects from Medical Marijuana?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC have not found a sufficient amount of data when it comes to whether or not medical marijuana and breastfeeding is considered dangerous overall.
Many women have increasingly begun smoking marijuana while breastfeeding and some even admittedly used the plant on a daily basis.
Out of a total of 98 study participants in two separate studies conducted by the National Institute of Health, none of the babies that were monitored for side effects over the course of a year experienced differences when measuring data such as:
- Growth rates
- Motor development
- Mental development
Can Medical Marijuana be Used While Breastfeeding?
Yes, medical marijuana can be used while breastfeeding in certain situations. Although the plant is not a cure for any of the ailments listed above, many women have had positive interactions and vast symptomatic relief.
Everyone’s situation is different and factors like your medical history or current medications should be taken into consideration when deciding on your own treatment options.
Conclusion about breastfeeding and medical marijuana
Is Medical Marijuana safe during breastfeeding? Medical marijuana has been shown to improve symptoms in breastfeeding women.
Although it is not widely recommended, the benefits outweigh the risks in most situations based on scientific studies. You should speak with your doctor to determine if medical marijuana is a viable option for your situation.
If you are considering using medical marijuana or CBD products and would like to book an appointment, you can speak with a qualified natural health physician. Choose you clinic!
