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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Breastfeeding and drugs...

56 replies

jodie84 · 29/09/2007 23:12

Specifically heroin My daughter is 5 weeks old and I've breastfed her successfully since birth. In the last few days I've smoked heroin twice, and fed my daughter within 3 or so hours each time. I really need some information on the effect this could have on her. I don't want to ask the health visitor or doctor for obvious reasons.

OP posts:

3andnomore · 30/09/2007 20:40

Jodie, is there any chance you could move away from where you are...so, you are not within the circle of "friends" that use anymore...that can help you getting out of that loop, if you know what I mean!
But, please, please, please, do seek proffessional help, try to get behind teh underlaying problems/triggers, etc....

3andnomore · 30/09/2007 20:42

I must admit..and I know I am naive...but I never even knew you could smoke heroin ....I really didn't know...but then drugs aren't somehting I know to much about, I suppose

Lorayn · 30/09/2007 20:44

lol 3andnomore, you have to kind of burn it from under tin foil, and inhale the smoke.

It isnt just the breast milk that the child could be getting it through, but also secondary smoke, like cigarettes.

Flibbertyjibbet · 30/09/2007 20:44

It will be on your maternity records from last time that baby was born addicted to methodone, and I remember from my pregnancies that there are questions to do with drugs on the booking in forms.
I admit that I know nothing about drug use but I am sure that if you are trying not to get back on the stuff, and seek help, then you will be helped and not judged.
I am sorry people are judging you on here, tiktoc is right, you do need help but not from a message board. Perhaps your first point of contact could be a midwife if you just need someone to talk to about it and to ask where you can seek help - as they ask all the questions to pregant ladies about drugs then they will know who to refer you to. They may also just be an ear for you to talk to about it, instead of the type of comments you've had on here.
Perhaps the health professionals are already keeping a caring and watchful eye over you and your little one given your history?
You have done brilliantly to breastfeed your baby for so long. Pick up the phone now and call your maternity unit and explain to them- they won't even know who you are unless you give them your details.

3andnomore · 30/09/2007 20:47

oh right Lorayn...must admit...teh secondary smoke thing...I went out...once...with a guy who used to smoke hash, and when I got into his flat, I could smell a very distinguished smell, and a few minutes later I was all swollen up and gasping for air...so...must be allergic to that then, I assume...

Lorayn · 30/09/2007 20:52

Remind me never to give you any hash cakes then 3andnomore

3andnomore · 30/09/2007 20:56

lol

popsycal · 30/09/2007 20:58

OMG just read OP. PLease get help for yourself and your baby.

Original poster

jodie84 · 30/09/2007 21:00

3andnomore - I wouldn't want to move away from everyone I know. I don't think my situation would be better if I was isolated on my own with two kids. I need my friends around me, even if they're not squeaky clean.

OP posts:

yogimum · 30/09/2007 21:06

I always believe you shouldn't judge anyone till you've walked in their shoes! But I wouldn't want my children brought up in this enviroment. I think you are a good mum jodie so I wish you all the best.

3andnomore · 30/09/2007 21:09

But Jodie...am not sure about these friends, tbh...if they are having a habit, they will try to drag you donw...nature of the best, I would think....

tori32 · 30/09/2007 21:18

Opiates can be passed on in breast milk, however, this is in less quantity when chasing the dragon, as opposed to injection. However, even in small amounts heroin can affect your babies breathing ( opiates depress breathing.), you also run the risk of lo getting addicted and having to go cold turkey.
If you can't stop using and get help, please stop breast feeding.
Heroin or any opiate usually wears off after approx 2-3 hours but you cannot be certain that this is the case and that your baby will not need to feed within this time frame.
If you are determined that you want to bf please get help, you have done fantastically well to stay clean for a year and to have bf for 5 wks, please try not to ruin your hard work through a few moments of madness.

tori32 · 30/09/2007 21:23

Surely you don't want a 'baby Don' incident, from train spotting? Thats how bad it could get. At least don't do this around the baby in your house and don't allow friends to.

Original poster

jodie84 · 30/09/2007 21:27

Occasionally smoking gear doesn't turn you into something from trainspotting!

OP posts:

determination · 30/09/2007 21:28

Jodie,

Is it just the Social pressure that makes you take it again? Or do you have other issues that you need help with?

It is the root of the problem that needs resolved. If that means getting new friends then thats what needs to happen for you to be successful in staying clean.

tori32 · 30/09/2007 21:33

One of my best friends died of an OD from heroin. She went on to injecting when she couldn't achieve the same high from chasing the dragon, she said the same!

tori32 · 30/09/2007 21:38

Can you get to an NA meeting? They don't involve anyone except the group, its confidential. They might be able to help?

Lorayn · 01/10/2007 07:58

"Occasionally smoking gear doesn't turn you into something from trainspotting!"

Doesn't it???
It only takes one time to fuck up and end up with some terrible non-reversal accident that you will have to live with for the rest of your life.

As for moving away from your friends, what kind of friends smoke heroin in the same house as your baby???? With your babies mother?? Any real friends wouldn't consider it let alone do it.

Upwind · 01/10/2007 08:32

"I didn't come here to be judged..."

You have a past, as a lot of us do, and I would not have thought less of you for it. But you are selfishly considering taking up smack again when you are responsible for two children. You seem to think that because they were asleep in the same house, and there were other people there who were happy to watch you smoke heroin while caring for them, it is not so bad. This suggests you would do the same again. You are not an addict anymore you are just selfishly considering putting your own pleasure before your children's welfare.

You can't expect that people won't judge you for that.

Anna8888 · 01/10/2007 08:57

DON'T DO THIS.

The wife of one of my cousin's has a long drugs history. She brain damaged her elder daughter (not my cousin's child), and no-one has ever been able to determine whether it was during pregnancy or in early infancy with her use of drugs.

Do you want a child who grows up brain damaged, unable to read or write and incapable of independent living?

massivebigpantsface · 01/10/2007 09:10

Jodie - couldn't read this and walk away - I feel so sad about your situation.
I have no advice or experience except as another mum - you have done so well to stay clean through your pg, look at your baby now, she needs you so much. Please get help, please don't let this into your life once again. You and your children are worth so much more.
Keep talking to us if you need to. You are bound to get a hard time on here, it is hard for most mums to understand (I don't understand either tbh), but you will get support too.
Good luck.

ImBarryScott · 01/10/2007 09:19

hi jodie,

I understand you are worried about professional involvement, in terms of contact from social services. I work in a related field and many people find some social services input helpful in these situations - their aim is to support you and your family, not to remove your children.

I think you do need support from professionals within the addictions field, not just from a talk board. A good starting point is to call Frank - 0800 77 66 00. this is a confidential helpline which can advice on harm reduction, but more importantly, should be able to put you in contact with drugs/addictions projects in your local area.

I wish you well, and hope that you will be able to get the right help soon.

Original poster

jodie84 · 01/10/2007 13:52

Thanks all for your kind words.

I don't need professional help or involvement at the moment, I have my situation under control. I've just been a bit down the last couple of weeks, and any new mum can tell you things get on top of her sometimes.

OP posts:

Lorayn · 01/10/2007 13:54

jodie you do need professional help, if you turn to heroin when feeling a bit low and down then you definitely need help.

Yes, being anew mum is hard, but very few people turn to heroin because of it.

Please get help, for your childrens sake if not your own.

yogimum · 01/10/2007 13:59

jodie, it is a very difficult and emotional time when been a new mum. I look back at the last year and wonder how I came through it. But taking drugs will only make the lows seem worse. Please take care.

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