From Buds to Boobs - A Discreet Guide to Cannabis and Breastfeeding

Firstly, as a breastfeeding parent, you are already a superhero. And as cannabis use becomes more mainstream, more parents are starting to ask the taboo question,” Is it safe to smoke cannabis while breastfeeding?” As a mother who has been there and who has used this plant in place of pharmaceuticals for several reasons throughout my life, I believe it is my purpose and my duty to answer them to the best of my ability. Now, let's toke about adding a little extra oomph to your routine. Cannabis can be a powerful tool for relaxation, pain relief, mood enhancement, and so much more. But how can you incorporate it into your breastfeeding journey without compromising your baby's well-being?

Here’s a few tips from one canna-mama to another:

1. Timing is everything!

   🍃 Pumping and dumping: DO NOT WASTE THAT LIQUID GOLD! Contrary to popular belief, so long as the method of consumption is inhalation, the THC floating around in your bloodstream is not psychoactive, nor do the levels decrease as you begin to feel less of its effects. THC can remain in your system for some days - weeks after consumption. Meaning, unlike alcohol, pumping and dumping will not reduce the amount of THC present in your milk. According to this small study, they tested the breastmilk of mothers who used cannabis regularly. What they found was that in an 8 oz bottle of breastmilk, there was only about 6.6 MICRO GRAMS of THC. That is a total daily dose of less than ONE-TENTH of a milligram. DAILY. Most notably (and arguably not emphasized enough), that is a NON_PSYCHOACTIVE METABOLITE OF THC CALLED THC-COOH AND IS THE METABOLITE USED FOR DETECTION, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO DETERMINE HOW IMPAIRED YOU ARE.

   💚https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33469174/

   🍃The two-hour rule: Depending on what method of consumption and the dosage, the bioavailability of the psychoactive properties THC possesses generally subsides within 2-3 hours after consumption. They are THEN initially redistributed to highly vascular tissues such as the lungs, heart, and liver, with only 1% initially distributed to the brain. This is why we are capable of testing positive so long after consumption without feeling the effects the entire time. And because breastmilk content reflects plasma content in real-time, it suggests that THC is cleared from breast milk in much of the same ways and in the same timeframe as THC is cleared from the bloodstream. However, if there’s even the slightest concern, waiting 2-3 hours allows the body to metabolize the THC, reducing the concentration in the bloodstream and converting it into its inactive metabolite, THC-COOH.

   💚https://lactationmatters.org/2021/07/11/questions-about-cannabis-thomas-hale-to-discuss-new-research-at-upcoming-conference/

   💚https://www.elephantcircle.net/circle/2017/2/1/my-take-on-it-what-i-learned-from-thomas-hale-rph-phd#:~:text=Babies%20might%20be%20exposed%20to,converted%20into%20inactive%20THC%2DCOOH.

   🍃Nighttime consumption: While I know it’s easier said than done, ESPECIALLY when adjusting to parenthood as a brand-new human pacifier, if you can aim for nighttime consumption to minimize your daytime exposure between feedings, your already overthinking mom brain WILL thank you for the peace of mind (it may even help to reduce your consumption and help you to feel more confident and present WITHOUT having to consume! I’ll let you in on a little secret though, this shit’s HARD, and there’s zero judgment here!

2. Choose your method of consumption wisely!

   🍃Inhalation: If you choose to inhale, make sure you choose a low-dose strain, and avoid the use of tobacco products. Opt instead for organic hemp wraps and wicks, always wear an outer layer you can remove, such as a jacket or sweater. If you can, use a high-quality dry herb vaporizer, and ALWAYS remember to wash your hands and brush your teeth before handling or kissing on baby!

   🍃Edibles: Edibles can provide a longer-lasting, more potent effect. After the THC in edibles reaches the liver, it is metabolized and converted into a more potent psychoactive metabolite called 11-Hydroxy THC. If you use edibles, remember that our bodies metabolize edibles differently, and you may want to wait a few hours before you continue breastfeeding to reduce the potential risk of exposure.

   🍃Topicals: Topicals like balms, lotions, salves, and oils can target specific areas without affecting our bloodstream. However, it is always best to avoid using medicated creams and ointments on or around the baby or in areas where baby may want to explore orally.

3. Listen to your body!

   🍃Pay attention to baby’s cues and body language: If there are any concerning changes in behavior or feeding patterns, remember there are a lot of factors at play and do NOT start blaming yourself. Consider adjusting your consumption or taking a break. If you continue to be concerned, ALWAYS consult with your trusted pediatrician both for peace of mind and to ensure early intervention in case it is necessary for ANY reason.

   🍃Trust your intuition: While we as moms can feel like we’re CONSTANTLY questioning ourselves, our intuition is an extremely powerful tool.

4. Elevate your education:

   🍃Stay informed and up to date on cannabis research regarding breastfeeding using credible UNBIASED resources such as Pubmed, ResearchGate, Frontiers, The Journal of Cannabis Research, JAMA network, and more!

   🍃Consult with a TRUSTED healthcare provider to discuss any real concerns or questions you may have regarding your consumption! While they may seem like unicorns, there are so many excellent and knowledgeable healthcare providers with no particular biases toward natural medicines, it’s just a manner of finding them

Remember, the key to safe and effective cannabis use while breastfeeding is quality, moderation, timing, education, and honest communication with a trusted healthcare provider should any concerns arise. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without compromising your baby's health, or your peace of mind! 💚

****Disclaimer: This information is intended for informational and educational purposes only! It is not intended to encourage or glorify cannabis consumption while breastfeeding without a valid medical recommendation/need, without considering risks vs rewards, without harm reduction strategy, and is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about cannabis use, especially while breastfeeding.