I received a question recently via e-mail from a reader. It was from a new mother that wanted to know if consuming marijuana while she was breastfeeding would hurt her newborn. She didn’t consume marijuana at all during her pregnancy, but was a moderate to heavy user prior to getting pregnant. I know she is not the only mother out there wondering about marijuana use and breastfeeding.
Obviously, I’m not a doctor, so take this article for what you will. However, I did find a study on the topic from people that are doctors. The study was titled, ‘Marijuana: Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure in the Human.’ It was conducted by Katherine Tennes, M.A., Nanci Avitable, M.A., Carol Blackard, M.D., Cecilia Boyles, M.A., Bernice Hassoun, B.S., Larry Holmes, M.S., and Marie Kreye, Ph.D.. The study found the following:
No significant difference was found between users and nonusers in the age infants were weaned, suggesting that marijuana did not interfere with lactation. Comparison of infant outcomes on growth, or on mental and motor development, revealed no apparent effects of postnatal marijuana exposure.
Again, I’m not a doctor, so take the information for what you will. The people that conducted the study have more letters after their names than I could ever have, so I think they are credible. To read the full study, click here.
