Every nursing mother should carefully monitor her consumption. Certain foods and drinks are off-limits. The women who were taking CBD before naturally wonder whether they can continue while nursing or breastfeeding.
Some women find out the information that CBD is an excellent remedy with a number of potential benefits for nursing mother, including better sleep, reduced stress and increased appetite.
But new mothers are interested in understanding whether it is safe for a baby. Here is the information about the use of CBD by a nursing mother. Hope the article will answer your questions.
THC vs CBD
The cannabis plant contains over120 cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. They interact with the endocannabinoid system. While both of them have some potential benefits, a woman should remember that THC produces a psychoactive effect and she can get high. CBD does not. Due to these properties, only CBD is sometimes recommended to nursing mothers.
CBD and breastfeeding
Some studies do not support the use of CBD while breastfeeding. The experts say that chemicals can be passed through breast milk and potentially affect a baby1. At the same time, there are no studies that directly show how CBD could affect the little one2.
But recent studies found that endocannabinoids exist naturally in breast milk3. They stimulate hunger and teach the baby how to suckle. The lack of these endocannabinoids may result in a disorder called “non-organic ability to thrive” that actually means the baby has no desire to eat.
Breast milk contains endocannabinoids that are very similar in their structure to CBD. Theoretically, CBD can help reduce these unpleasant symptoms but still, there is not enough scientific evidence about the potential interaction between CBD and nursing babies.
If your child has the feeding disorder, consult the doctor on CBD use and evaluate all risks if you have decided to take it.
CBD and postpartum depression
Many women find themselves affected by postpartum depression (PPD). It is rather a severe condition that can spoil a happy time of new mother as it results in fatigue, mood swings and anxiety. Some nursing mothers feel a detachment from their baby and refuse to care of the small one properly.
Antidepressants are frequently prescribed to treat PPD but they are not suitable while breastfeeding. CBD may reduce depression and anxiety. Some women, taking CBD while nursing the baby, experience significant improvement of sleep quality4. Other women say their appetite increases and they can intake the required amount of calories.
But the women should be careful if CBD causes extreme sleepiness. In such a case, it is better to refuse its use and find other options.
LactMed Report
The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) report states that if CBD is recommended for the mother, it is not the reason to discontinue the treatment. If there is an alternate drug that is safer for a child, you may think of using another one. But if you do not have other options, you can continue taking CBD while nursing a newborn baby5.
To take or not to take
Despite several potential benefits, CBD may carry some risks for nursing mother and the decision of whether or not to take CBD is one you should make with the help of your doctor. You should speak with an expert specialising in the use of CBD for medical treatment in new mothers to be safe and avoid possible side effects.
References
- Garry A, Rigourd V, Amirouche A, Fauroux V, Aubry S, Serreau R. Cannabis and Breastfeeding. J Toxicol. 2009;2009. doi:10.1155/2009/596149
- Bertrand KA, Hanan NJ, Honerkamp-Smith G, Best BM, Chambers CD. Marijuana Use by Breastfeeding Mothers and Cannabinoid Concentrations in Breast Milk. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1076
- Wei B, McGuffey JE, Blount BC, Wang L. Sensitive Quantification of Cannabinoids in Milk by Alkaline Saponification-Solid Phase Extraction Combined with Isotope Dilution UPLC-MS/MS. ACS Omega. 2016;1(6):1307-1313. doi:10.1021/acsomega.6b00253
- Hendricks K, Liu J. Maternal Depression and Childhood Aggression: Literature Review. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2012;37(4):253-261. doi:10.1097/NMC.0b013e3182482c5e
- Cannabidiol. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535598/. Accessed January 13, 2020.
