Substances
Breastfeeding Challenges
Substances
Using substances doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. Different substances can affect babies in different ways when they get into breastmilk. This guide is based on the latest health advice and explains how different substances can affect your milk and your baby.
Cannabis
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), suggest it’s best not to use cannabis when pregnant or breastfeeding. But if someone keeps using cannabis, breastfeeding should not be discouraged. – Adapted from ACOG Clinical Guidance
Check out the NM Health Cannabis Learning Lounge
Download the below Cannabis Information Sheet from the NM Department of Health.
Safer Practices
- In case of accidental ingestion call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Avoid smoking or vaping near infants. Secondhand smoke can expose them to harmful chemicals.
- Keep matches or lighters out of children’s reach.
- Keep all cannabis product in a secure place and out of sight from children. (Especially edibles!)
Tobacco/E-Cigarettes
“Using tobacco or e-cigarettes while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit; regardless, breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits and breast milk remains the recommended food for an infant” – CDC
See below for CDC links about quitting tobacco
Safer Practices
- Quitting is the safest. Call 1-800-QUITNOW for help.
- Avoid smoking or vaping near infants. Secondhand smoke can expose them to harmful chemicals.
- Have smoke-free rules for the car and home.
- Change clothes and wash hands after smoking and prior to handling the infant.
Alcohol
“Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink/day) is not known to be harmful to the infant.“-CDC
See below for more information about Breastfeeding and Alcohol.
Safer Practices
- Wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding baby after consuming alcohol.
- Avoid alcohol the first month of breasteeding or until breastfeeding is established
- Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 2 drinks per day.
US Standard Drink Sizes
- 12 ounces
- 5% ABV beer
- 8 ounces
- 7% ABV malt liquor
- 5 ounces
- 12% ABV wine
- 1.5 ounces
- 40% (80 proof) ABV distilled spirits (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, etc.)
ABV = Alcohol by Volume