From the Guidelines
No, it is not safe to use tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) while breastfeeding. THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, passes into breast milk and can remain there for up to six days after use. When an infant consumes breast milk containing THC, the compound can affect their developing brain and nervous system. Studies suggest that THC exposure through breast milk may potentially impact an infant's motor development, cognitive function, and long-term brain development. THC in breast milk could also potentially affect the infant's sleep patterns and feeding behaviors.
Key Considerations
- The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations recommend avoiding all cannabis products, including THC, during breastfeeding.
- If you're using THC for medical purposes, it's essential to discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider that would be safer during breastfeeding.
- If you have used THC while breastfeeding, consider discussing this with your child's pediatrician and consider abstaining from further use while continuing to breastfeed. Unfortunately, none of the provided studies 1 directly address the safety of THC use during breastfeeding, but based on general medical knowledge and the potential risks associated with THC exposure in infants, it is crucial to prioritize caution and avoid THC use while breastfeeding.
From the Research
THC and Breastfeeding
- The use of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) while breastfeeding is a concern due to the potential risks to the infant 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that THC can be present in breastmilk as quickly as 1 hour after consumption and last up to 6 days, making it difficult to avoid infant exposure 3.
- The effects of THC exposure on infants are not fully understood, but there is evidence to suggest that it may result in cognitive, social, and motor defects, some of which may be long-term 3.
Prevalence of THC Use Among Breastfeeding Women
- A survey of lactation professionals found that an estimated 15% of breastfeeding clients used marijuana in the past year 2.
- Another study found that 5% of breastfeeding mothers in the United States report using cannabis 4.
- A survey of breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis found that 96% reported using it to treat a health problem, and the number of health problems ranged from 0 to 8 5.
Factors Related to THC Use Among Breastfeeding Women
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been found to be related to the frequency of cannabis use among breastfeeding women, but indirectly through trauma's impact on health problems 5.
- Health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, are common reasons for cannabis use among breastfeeding women, and the number of health problems is associated with the frequency of use 4, 5.
- Prenatal and postnatal counseling on the risks of marijuana use while breastfeeding is important, but many mothers do not receive such counseling 6.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Women
- Most guidelines recommend that women who use illicit drugs, including marijuana, should not breastfeed 2.
- However, some lactation professionals may recommend continued breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the harms, while others may recommend stopping breastfeeding if the mother cannot stop using marijuana 2.
- More research is needed to understand the effects of THC on breastfeeding infants and to develop evidence-based recommendations for breastfeeding women who use cannabis 2, 4, 3.