Natural, Toxic or Who Knows? The implications of breastfeeding and marijuana use
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 Nurse Contact Hours, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU
- Learning Format: Webinar
- Handout: Yes
- Origin: GOLD Lactation 2015
Abstract:
As the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana increases around the world, the potential for babies to be impacted by this herb during breastfeeding increases exponentially. In the United States, several states have recently legalized or are on the path to legalizing the consumption of marijuana (cannabis). This trend has led to more lactation consultants and healthcare professionals being faced with the question, "Is it safe for me to use marijuana while I breastfeed?" The answers given vary widely and this is due largely to myth, bias, and poorly conducted and accessed research. The Medications and Mother's Milk Guide considers cannabis to be an L5, contraindicated for breastfeeding while Lactnet states that it is preferable for users to continue breastfeeding and yet minimize the baby's exposure to smoke. These widely differing recommendations lead healthcare professionals to scratch their heads and face the knowledge that they just don't know what to say to mothers. Additionally, there are reports of social services removing babies from homes due to mother's marijuana use while breastfeeding. This presentation looks at the most recent research and policies surrounding this controversial herb
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Attendees will be able to list three potential risks to the newborn from chronic marijuana use during breastfeeding Objective 2: Attendees will be able to identify two reasons marijuana has a particular affinity for accessing breastmilk. Objective 3: Attendees will be able to state at least two open ended questions to use when discussing marijuana use and breastfeeding with their clients/patients.
