Second hand marijuana smoke and mom

QUESTION: I used to smoke marijuana and wonder what effect pot has on a baby? Are there any studies that I could read? What does second hand smoke from pot do to a mother? Is it ok for me to be in the same room?

Dear Mom:

Thanks for being such a caring mom and breastfeeding your baby. There are a number of studies indicating that marijuana components do get stored in mom's body fat and slowly release over time -- in turn these components can be transferred to her milk. The major side effect seen is sleepiness in the baby, which can lead to slow weight gain and possibly slow overall development in the baby long term.

Second hand smoke of any type is never good for children. What concerns me most is what we don't know is in street drugs to stretch the product so the dealer can make more money and the effects on the mom and baby of these extra ingredients. My other concern is that while under the influence of any street drug is mom's ability to properly care for her baby. So if you have stopped smoking pot -- keep up the good work of taking care of your little one and don't start up again and try and not have her exposed to these type of things first or second hand.

Good Luck,

Anne Norton-Krawciw, RPh, IBCLC

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