Marijuana

“Using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in any form while breastfeeding.”-CDC

Download the below Marijuana Information Sheet from the NM Department of Health.

Safe Practices

• Smoke Outside.
• Keep matches or lighters out of children’s reach.
• Keep all marijuana product hidden out of children’s sight or reach. (Especially edibles!)

Tobacco/E-Cigarettes

“Using tobacco or e-cigarettes while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit; regardless, breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits and breast milk remains the recommended food for an infant” – CDC

See below for CDC links about quitting tobacco

Safe Practices

• Quitting is the safest. Call 1-800-QUITNOW for help.
• Do not smoke near the infant.
• Smoke outside.
• Have smoke-free rules for the car and home.
• Change clothes and wash hands after smoking and prior to handling the infant.

Alcohol

“Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink/day) is not known to be harmful to the infant.“-CDC

See below for more information about Breastfeeding and Alcohol.

Safe Practices

• Wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding baby after consuming alcohol.
• Avoid alcohol the first month of breasteeding or until breastfeeding is established
• Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 2 drinks per day.