MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Lifestyle Decisions

People receive plenty of information and advice about the dangers of tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs during pregnancy.

Now that your baby is here, you may be faced with making similar decisions about what should and shouldn’t be included in your postpartum lifestyle. In this section, you’ll find straightforward information about substances and side effects, so you can make the best choices for you, your newborn, and your family.

MARIJUANA (CANNABIS) Although research continues to expand, many studies confirm that a breastfeeding parent who smokes, vapes, or ingests marijuana can pass drug byproducts to their

baby through their breast milk. The psychoactive component of cannabis (THC) enters breast milk in small quantities and can still be detected up to 6 weeks after ingestion. Facts about using marijuana • May cause sleepiness in babies, leading to slower weight gain and development • May inhibit a parent’s milk production and increase baby’s risk of SIDS

ALCOHOL Choosing to avoid alcohol is the safest option for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you do decide to drink alcohol, limit yourself to 1 standard drink a day. After having that alcoholic drink, the safest practice is to wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding your baby.

• Health experts strongly recommend that parents avoid all cannabis products while breastfeeding

MEDICATIONS & DRUGS Small amounts of almost every medication

Facts about alcohol • Passes through your breast milk to your baby • Can be detected in milk for 2 to 3 hours (per drink) • May change the taste of your breast milk

will pass into your breast milk. But very few medications need to be completely avoided. Always check with your health care provider or lactation consultant before taking any medication , including: • Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements • Antihistamines, some decongestants, and hormonal birth control Controlled Substances (non-medical use) and Recreational Drugs Restricted and prohibited drugs like cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and amphetamines will pass into your baby’s body through your breast milk. These substances should be avoided entirely during breastfeeding and parenting.

SMOKING & VAPING Smoking or vaping is never a good idea if you’re breastfeeding. That’s because when you inhale chemicals or tobacco, so does your baby. It can also make breastfeeding much more challenging.

Dangers of smoking/vaping • Causes nicotine to pass into breast milk • Decreases your milk supply (volume) • Increases your baby’s risk of SIDS

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care