...to smoke cannabis while breastfeeding

[SemiCharmedWife]

I don't know where to begin.

Actually I do, I'm not a troll, I'm not a regular poster who has namechanged, I'm a lurker who reads the reviews and reads the forums when the baby is having a day of eating and I am stuck to the sofa. This is probably a one-shot username and as it is, I am a little worried someone will trace my IP because what I'm doing is illegal and probably a bit wrong, but I can't be bothered with the SWIM (Someone Who Isn't Me) games. Please be aware I am not taking this lightly, but I don't know who else to come clean to.

I realise by saying 'I'm not a troll', 95% of people will nod and think 'that's what a troll would say'.

I'm procrastinating.

I still smoke weed while breastfeeding DD (4 months) and I was still toking while pregnant. I found out I was pregnant when I was over 20 weeks gone last autumn - if it had been all nicely planned, I tell myself I would have given up. I had an easy pregnancy, a natural labour and DD was a week overdue and perfectly healthy. I am aware that I potentially have dodged a bullet and I would have been devastated if there had been something wrong with her. I think I'm an average mum. I love her (although it wasn't instant, she makes me melt now when she smiles and laughs), I am patient 97% of the time, most housework gets done and I take her out of the house every other day at least.

But I never managed to stop smoking cannabis.

I was going to stop at the new year, then I was going to stop when the baby was born, then I was only going to smoke when the baby was in bed and we tried... but right now, we're smoking as soon as DH gets in from work, then maybe after dinner then almost definitely before bed. One of us stays with DD and we take turns if she's being grumpy, otherwise we go outside and keep an eye on her if she's downstairs/take the monitor if she's in bed. I don't get so stoned that I couldn't react if there was an emergency, I just relax and chat with DH.

Are there any studies that say whether the downsides of smoking weed outweight the downsides of formula? I'm reluctant to give up breastfeeding because it's working for us and I wouldn't be able to pick it back up again, but I can't help but think I am drugging my DD sometimes. Are there actually plenty of mums who still smoke and it's a big, well-kept secret? Am I worrying too much and me and DH will grow out of it (I make us sound like teenagers, we're both mid-20s)? It has to be said that while I would quite like to stop sometimes, my DH will apply pressure to spend money on weed, is very pro-smoking and doesn't think I'm doing/have done anything wrong and even voiced the opinion that I had such an easy pregnancy because I was smoking (not in spite of!). What will the police/SS actually do if someone reports me? Do I deserve to have my baby taken away from me?

I don't know what I'm expecting by posting this, but I'm too scared to be honest with the Health Visitor or the Doctor and I'm even lying to most of my friends (who knew I smoked but presumed I gave up when I was pregnant/had DD). Maybe I need to have my arse kicked and my face rubbed into cold hard facts that prove what I am doing is DISGUSTING and WRONG. Maybe people will surprise me and admit a lot of parents (especially with littl'uns who don't understand) still smoke cannabis, my DH is right and I should just stop worrying. Maybe people will empathise and have ideas on how to say no while DH is outside the back door smoking.

And let the judging commence.

Hmmm, I think YABU but I guess that you realize this. I am the same age as you and was quite a heavy marijuana smoker right up until I found out I was pregnant. Unlike you, I found out straight away. I am due to give birth in August. I gave up the weed and also cut down on cigarettes, but when I was about 8 weeks gone I went through a very stressful situation which made me reach for a joint to "calm down". I then realized that I wasn't in control of the situation and did not want to be the kind of mum that "can't handle things" unless I got stoned. I gave up both weed and cigarettes then and there and although the first month was a bit odd (suddenly you are more aware of time and you have no safety blanket) the cravings subsided and I can honestly say that I no longer want them at all. Both of my parents smoked pot very very occasionally, the same way that they got a bit tipsy, say at a family barbecue or at Christmas, and I can honestly say that was fine with my brother and me. But if they had done it any more than that, I would have questioned what was so awful about life (and me and my bro!) that they had to turn their backs on it!! I suspect that you would have already quit if your DH had also done so, but you really must think of yourself and your daughter and do what's right. Marijuana, like all other drugs and alcohol, is a form of escapism and you have to ask yourself what you are escaping from and why. And why do you feel the need to do this several times a day. It's not like you are a smack mummy in any way, but your daughter really deserves both yours and your hubby's undivided attention and if you are stoned there is no way you can give her that. Both of you should probably address the reasons why you haven't yet stopped, and then just quit cold turkey for an indefinite period. Good luck and I hope I didn't come across too preachy :)

I hope that the judgey pants on this thread are all teetotal non-smokers who never touched a glass of wine or a fag while BF'ing exclusively. Many of us are with you just reserved about writing it down i think.

noddyholder, i recommend this book very interesting

there are no studies as the ones that have been done are totally flawed by lumping in cannabis users with crackheads and proper studies won't be funded by current governments due to a whole myriad of reasons. i have already been informed that i am derailing the discussion so i am loathe to go into them. have a look at the book and the work of russo and dreher if you are interested .

Seen what by now? how would we have seen anything if we're not actually studying it scientifically?

I'm not going to tell someone they should BF whilst shooting up heroin just because some women in the Pamirs rely on opium for pain relief while pregnant. You can't compare traditional drug use with the type and means of drug use that the OP is talking about here.

Scum no excuse. You are just scum. You could give up you chose not to. I hope someone reports you to social services and they take your kid away your child deserves better.

Cannabis has been used by nursing mothers a lot longer than formula has been around.
Formula feeding carries it's own risks
www.thebabybond.com/InfantDeaths.html

OP, I hope that you are still there and I also think you are very brave for posting about this issue. I have name changed for this, not so brave.

I think you know that you should give up or at least significantly cut down and all the "calling SS brigade" posts are not helpful.

I smoked regularly for at least 15 years, my DH does not smoke though. I cut back when ttc DC1 and stopped throughout pg. I did lots of research before baby was born about bfeeding and smoking and there really isn't much out there, the Jamaican study as mentioned earlier but not much else.

I went on my gut instinct and decided that I couldn't take the risk but for me it was alot more about the smoking of tobacco in spliffs, secondhand smoke etc, and I was also worried I wouldn't hear the baby at night.

I started smoking again regularly when DC1 was about 14 months then stopped when pg with DC2 and am now bfeeding again (my DC2 is a very similar age to your DD) and have no plans to stop anytime soon.

However I believe that I will prob start smoking again when DC2 is over 1 (if I have stopped feeding then).

Weed suits me as a relaxer, I have never been paranoid, anxious or anything. It has never affected me in a negative way, if it did I would not have carried on for so long.
My major concern when I have had a spliff is what snack to eat next!

But I would agree with others that 3 spliffs a night when you have a 4 month old is far too much and I think you need to pack it in very soon.

There seems to be a couple of major factors which will make giving up a challenge, your DP's/social circle useage and your MH issues.

It will be doubly hard to stop if he is still smoking, the first step is to drastically cut back the amount together, give your self some "rules" about smoking. I would say definitely not until baby is in bed, washing yourself and changing clothes after smoking and all the other guidelines about cigarette smoking need to happen.

I know from your OP that you have done this before so that should be relatively easy to get back into.

Then you can move towards stopping altogether but gradually cutting back more and more.

In regards to your MH issues, I don't really know much about that but surely you have to discuss this with professionals, either drug or mental health workers who are better placed to help you.

Please cut back TODAY and move towards stopping, there is no evidence either way really but surely you know in your heart that smoking when you have a tiny baby is not a good idea.

I really wish you luck in stopping.

I'm sorry, I don't want to derail the thread either, but the OP's original question was about whether to BF whilst smoking, so it still seems relevant.

Anyway have to bow out and get back to work, OP good luck with everything. Please talk to someone in RL and get some help, you won't regret it.

I have read similar over the years and I do not dispute a lot of the data but I have seen the mental health issue first hand. Just because you haven't any problems initially or indeed for years doesn't mean they won't occur.

dreaming bohemian, cannabis has a long long history of being used by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. we would have seen deformed, messed up, dropped on their heads babies by now if there were any to see, study or not. but we haven't.

if the OP is smoking tobacco with the weed, or it is impacting negatively on her mental health rather than helping it, or it is affecting the prolactin levels and reducing her supply, then that is another matter, and i think that this needs clarification from the OP. however, if not, then rather than being put on medication that makes her go hunting for smack with strangers, she is better off breastfeeding her baby, putting that baby to bed, and sitting down for a joint or a glass of wine with her husband.

You really should stop now, for your daughter's sake.

There are other medications for Bipolar such as mood stabilisers (Lamotrigine, Lithium, Valproaic Acid etc.) You may find that they help you without having the heavy fogginess/stilling of quetiapine or the hypomanic inducing of the ADs.

Tell me if I am wrong, but reading between the lines I get the impression that you are terrified of how you are going to cope or terrified of a relapse if you stop smoking weed? As you feel so calm & in control?

However its all fake and will probably end up with your bipolar getting worse.

PM me if you want to talk. I don't judge, I try to be objective.

Smoking will not help your mental health, at ALL! Please stop and speak to your gp about other options.

A friends brother started smoking when he was 12 and had many psychotic episodes, he is much better now at mid 20's but the smoking was definitely the culprit.

Smoking weed is harmful for your baby and you obviously know this but cannot stop> Please stop breast feeding and give her formula instead.

fabbychic, donbt hold back there eh< say what you think, jesus

what would ypou say to an actual child abuser, reach through your PC and KILL THEM?

Apparently, the miracles of breast milk overcome all ills.

OP at the least talk to a medical professional before continuing BF. lots of people on this site have strong views on both sides that aren't necessarily well informed or based on the science.

I personally think that causing an innocent child to imbibe illegal drugs is actually quite abusive. I think taking heroin whilst pregnant or bfing is abuse so why not cannabis?

I also think it's hilarious that if a mnetter admits she smokes cigarettes she gets flamed, but yet one who smokes tobacco mixed with an illegal drug gets several posters sympathies? Weird. Cannabis has this benign reputation for some reason - it is actually a harmful illegal drug proven to have nasty side-effects, especially in the young.

OP you are delusional, the reason you were on medication was because of your drug use, weed/cannabis screws with peoples minds. Even if you don't develop full blown psychosis you will be isolative, lethargic, forgetful, lacking in motivation, vague, self-absorbed and over sensitive and possibly very anxious. i've worked in mental health for 12 years and I see it time and time again. Also the whole host of permissive thought crap that goes with cannabis use "it's harmless" "it's no worse than a drink" "it helps me relax" total normalisation of something that IMO is as harmful as heroin and far more harmful than pills or coke.

I used to smoke it by 20 I'd stopped as I found it made me anxious, paranoid, selfish and above all reclusive and boring. Stoners are dull as f**k, they are boring uninteresting vacuous idiots. If I'd at a party and someone starts skinning up, I leave they are too dull to be around. It's an immature habit for selfish people full of self-delusion.

Oh and doing it whilst bf is shit....give it up.

I would get advice on it hunni :) they will not takee baby off you, But it is much better for them to know so they can help you do best by baby.

I did not bf my DS and i have never smoked weed, I do smoke fags though and did not totally cut them out when pg.

My DP howeve does smoke weed (outside) and we told our mw everything and she was really nice with us and told us the best ways to keep baby safe..
Honest they will not judge you they will give advice in any direcion you chose to go :) but please talk to them.

and i would not worry about changing name on here etc someone already posted using three of my name which i had to change :( i think we should be allowed to save as our own

Hello

I work with lots of BF mothers, some have told me they use cannabis and I expect lots use and don't tell any-one.
I don't think SS will be in the least interested as long as you are caring for your baby adequately.
I would however strongly encourage you to speak to your GP and access specialist services to address your emotional health needs and your drug use. Your baby needs healthy (physically and emotionally) and responsive parents and your problems are likely to have a negative impact on her as she gets older.

Your GP will have seen it all before and will know how to support you.
Good Luck

Good luck with giving up.

Minxofmancunia

You make some sweeping generalisations in your post
Some people are able to smoke weed in the same controlled way that others drink alcohol.

I have already said in a previous post that all my friends are professional people with young families and some smoke weed recreationally with no ill effects.
I understand you have experience in this area but your subject sample is hardly likely to be representative of all smokers, is it?
After all, the people you work with do have mental health problems, caused by drugs or otherwise.

The OP however states that she is unable to go a day without smoking, and that even though she wanted to, she couldn't give up during her pregnancy and still cannot. Anyone who used alcohol in such a way would not be considered to be in control. I have had the odd spliff in my time, but everyone I know who has continued to smoke it regularly has some kind of problem with it and doesn't smoke it in a controlled way, and all bar none have social or mental health problems that are closely linked with it IMO. And they are all very much in denial as well, and believe that they are smoking recreationally with no ill-effects.

I wasn't talking about the OP's situation specifically.
I have already given her my advice- try to stop for the sake of her mental health and her baby's well being, whilst continuing to BF.

I was responding to your post that suggested that cannabis use is always harmful and precludes being in good health mentally and being an able parent.

I think there are so many untruths going around about weed that have encouraged its use. The worst one I believed was that it's not addictive- what a load of shit. It's extremely addictive. Ok itmay not make you violent like booze but it makes you stink it makes you lazy and it can seriously fuck up your head, but if you continue to believe the lies about it you continue to smoke pretending it's all ok. How can sitting inside smoking all day/night be worthwhile in anyway? Stop it and go out, do something productive. Forget about whether you're harming your baby through breast milk, you're harming her by being dull. It's s subject close to my heart, my brother died 8 years ago after 10 years of severe schizophrenia. He was the one who first told me of weed's merits. It took me years to accept he was wrong when it was completely obvious. Don't be fooled, it's not your friend but a very deceptive enemy. Give up.