CBD products are becoming more accessible as they are completely safe for everyone. Despite this, many people have questions and concerns about cannabis-derived products. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may have doubts about whether CBD products are safe for you.
There is ongoing research on the use of CBD, especially in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Just like any other drugs or medicines, there's always going to be less research available around pregnancy and lactation.
In general, the FDA strongly advises against the use of Marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and all types of CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
CBD is fat-soluble and will be expelled through your breast milk. However, CBD with breastfeeding controversy is based on the use of THC and breast milk, not CBD.
Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions: How long Does CBD stay in Breastmilk?
CBD can stay in breast milk for up to 6 days, however, THC traces can be found in breast milk for up to six weeks. Although THC dosages vary from woman to woman (depending on their metabolism), THC content can be found in breast milk even after 6 weeks.
CBD and Breastfeeding
CBD and breastfeeding are not a good pairing. In general, the consumption of all kinds of drugs such as nicotine (tobacco products), cannabis, or cocaine is totally contraindicated in the general population, due to their short and long-term negative impacts on health.
Of course, if we're talking about pregnant women, the consequences also affect their babies. But in the case of breastfeeding, would it be harmful to the baby as well?
Obviously, CBD is a drug, and the use of CBD is totally contraindicated during breastfeeding since they are excreted in breast milk and pose a high risk.
If you’re taking CBD products that contain THC while breastfeeding, keep in mind that THC can be found in breast milk for up to six days following use. This THC has the potential to negatively impact newborn brain development, resulting in hyperactivity, poor cognitive functioning, and other long-term repercussions.
Additionally, smoking or vaping cannabis can contain many of the same harmful components as tobacco cigarettes, so these products should not be smoked near a newborn.
What are the Risks of Consuming CBD During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding?
There is no comprehensive research on the effects of CBD on the growing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed newborn. The FDA continues to gather and research data on the potential dangers of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
However, the high doses of CBD in pregnant test animals have resulted in reproductive issues in growing male fetuses. Moreover, it is believed that some CBD will be passed to the baby through breast milk.
We also know that CBD products, including THC, may be contaminated with chemicals (like pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungi) that are harmful to the fetus or breastfed newborn.
If you are considering using CBD products that contain THC, you should keep the following in mind:
The FDA strongly advises against using CBD and THC during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Despite the fact that many of these products are for sale, the FDA has not approved them for consumption because all these medications have dangers and adverse effects (during pregnancy).
Always talk to your doctor before taking CBD or any other herbal medicine while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not put yourself or your baby at risk by taking CBD products while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Breastmilk?
Breastfeeding while Taking CBD
Cannabis products are psychoactive medications that contain THC and CBD, as well as over 500 other chemical components. You can take CBD in many forms from vaping (inhaling or smoking) to orally.
CBD is a medication that is commonly used in various conditions, including during breastfeeding. Despite the fact that there are few studies on maternal consumption in breastfed infants, it poses a very substantial risk.
If you’re taking full-spectrum CBD oil or any other CBD products that contain THC, it’s possible that it can be found in breast milk. According to studies, breastfed babies ingest approximately 2.5% of the THC quantity consumed by the person who is breastfeeding.
This type of CBD product can stay in breast milk from 6 days to 6 weeks. However, available research has shown no obvious health problems when a breastfeeding person reports daily CBD usage.
Additionally, higher levels of THC have been found in the baby's feces than in breast milk, showing that the baby metabolizes THC as well. The newborn can take up to three to four weeks to eliminate THC through urine.
Factors that Affect How Long CBD Stays Breastmilk
CBD typically remains in the breastmilk for 6 days to 6 weeks, however, this time frame may not apply to everyone.
The amount of time CBD stays in breast milk is determined by numerous factors.
CBD Dosage
The higher the dose, like with most drugs, the longer the CBD remains in the breast milk.
How frequently do you use CBD?
The amount of time CBD stays in the body is also determined by how frequently it is used. CBD builds up in the body over time if used regularly. If you simply use it occasionally, your system will clean itself more quickly.
Your Diet
What you eat, how much you eat, and what medications you take with CBD, are all important factors that can influence how long CBD stays in breast milk.
Type of CBD Product
CBD can be used in a variety of ways. Everything from the duration of the effects to how long CBD stays in breastmilk is affected by the method of taking CBD.
F.A.Q's
Can I Use CBD Lotion While Breastfeeding?
According to the FDA, CBD products shouldn’t be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
However, topical CBD products such as salves and lotions don’t enter systemic circulation. Therefore, it shouldn't ideally make its way into breast milk. We can assume that a breastfeeding mother can use topical CBD products with no negative effects on the newborn child.
Topically applied CBD products have been shown to penetrate the skin deeply enough to enter the bloodstream. This means CBD can enter into breast milk. However, its bioavailability may be lower than that of ingestible CBD, which enters the bloodstream directly.
Is CBD Safe to Consume During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
It is not advised to consume CBD and marijuana products during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you plan to breastfeed in the future, avoid taking all types of CBD products for at least a week beforehand.
Due to a lack of research on the effects of CBD on breastfed babies, the "Food and Drug Administration Trusted Source" advises against CBD usage. So far, we know that some CBD can be passed on to babies through breast milk.
CBD products may also include THC and other compounds that are harmful to a breastfed baby. Although research is ongoing, it is advisable to avoid using CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding.
CBD Edibles and Breastfeeding: How Long Does an Edible Last in Breast Milk?
CBD edibles or capsules deliver large amounts of CBD directly into the bloodstream. If MCT oil is used as the carrier, the amount of CBD that enters your bloodstream is greatly increased. This is due to the fact that MCT oil bypasses the "first pass" process, allowing more CBD to enter the bloodstream. From the perspective of a breastfeeding mother, this means CBD can eventually enter into a mother’s milk.
However, CBD with breastfeeding controversy is based on the use of THC and breast milk, not CBD. THC can be detected in breast milk for up to six days after using cannabis or eating CBD edibles.
Bottom Line
CBD can be found in a wide range of products, including medicines, edibles, nutritional supplements, and even cosmetics. These products usually make questionable health claims about CBD.
According to the FDA, using cannabis products, particularly those containing CBD, can pose substantial hazards, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
CBD can be found in breast milk for 6 days to 6 weeks. Furthermore, larger quantities of THC have been identified in the infant's feces than in breast milk, indicating that the baby also metabolizes THC. The newborn can take up to three to four weeks to eliminate THC through urine.
The "FDA" advises against CBD use due to a lack of data on the effects of CBD on breastfed babies. So far, it has been discovered that some CBD can be passed on to babies through breast milk.
CBD products may contain THC and other chemicals that are dangerous to a breastfed baby. Despite ongoing research, it is best to avoid consuming CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding.
