Marijuana and Breast Feeding ????

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A relative of mine just had a baby who is now only 2 weeks old. While over at their house I observed the Mom go out to the garage and smoke a "joint" and also drank a shot of tequila which was served by the father of the baby. I asked the Mom if she realized that both substances would get into her breast milk and to the baby when she feeds her. The Mom just sort of blew me off stating that her body will detoxify itself in two hours, -- which personally I know is not true cause the chemical THC found in marijuana - is stored in the body fat, the same place that the breast milk is made. I asked another relative who is staying at the house how long the Mom had been doing this, and she told me this has been going on for about a week. I'm scared for the baby's health and how she will be cared for with her mother being high off of pot. This is her 1st child too. She knows I'm a Nurse but she's not listening to me as far as this being bad for the baby. Would I be wrong if I called child protection ? What should I do ?

Originally posted by Rustyhammer

Not condoning poor parenting skills or anything like that but perhaps a shot and a toke helps this new mother relax enough to breast feed her child.

Perhaps some other techniques can be taught to replace these.

-R

:chuckle :smokin: :rotfl: :eek:

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Rusty,

You have the keenest slant on things.:roll :chuckle :rotfl: :smokin:

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Originally posted by fergus51

Marijuana is considered a soft drug and those moms are allowed to breastfeed because it's still better healthwise for the baby than getting formula. Same goes with methodone, but not any other street drugs (like heroin or cocaine, etc). Milk is not made in fat, btw.

Jeez. Says who? I don't know, but where i've been i think a bottle of formula would be better. At least its not feeding an addiction which could turn into withdrawals. I'm all for a drink and a toke, don't get me wrong, but i've basically been pregnant and/or nursing since 2000. And i've NEVER thought it was ok and would condone any other type of behavior to do this type of thing.

This mother is wrong, and whoever said if she's doing this in FRONT of her family, then who knows what she's doing when they are gone. That poor baby. And yes i'm sure she's impaired even if she bottle feeds, but to me it would be the lesser of 2 evils, ya know?

I wouldn't give a hoot if it did tear up my family. I'd provide her with some facts and literature about the real harm it will do, and see how she takes it. If she blows you off or whatever, then tell her fine then i WILL report you to the proper authorities. Tell her you don't care if she needs it, its not about her and her needs. Its about the baby.

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Breastfeeding ain't that hard that ya need a toke and a shot to help bring the milk down. :chuckle

This woman walked out to a crowded garage with other people and smoked and drank. It isn't like she was sitting in her rocking chair scared to death to breastfeed or something.

Russell, your slant may be keen but it is stretching it.

:kiss steph

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Honestly, the drinking worries me more than the marijuana use. My father's cousin was a FAS baby and he spent his entire life in an institution because of severe retardation.

A good friend of mine had a hippie mom who smoked pot the whole time she was pregnant and during breastfeeding. The only side effect I have seen on this girl is that she chose philosophy as her major (she is now in grad school, teaching undergrad and still maintaining her 4.0).

I do agree that the mother's ability to care for her child may be impaired. As a mandated reporter, of course you would need to report this. I do think that maybe with some education she would possibly change her ways. There's nothing like the fear of losing one's child to straigten one out...

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Sigh. :stone the problem is we just don't know, there's no rhyme or reason to those affected and not affected who were introduced to these agents while in utero or being bf. And as parents, that's enough for me to steer clear of irresponsible behavior.

So sad to even have to deal with it isn't it??

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Originally posted by SnowymtnRN

Sigh. :stone the problem is we just don't know, there's no rhyme or reason to those affected and not affected who were introduced to these agents while in utero or being bf. And as parents, that's enough for me to steer clear of irresponsible behavior.

So sad to even have to deal with it isn't it??

I think this is what gets to me. . . . why even take the chance that you could harm your child? If there is a chance, why can't you just grow up and not take that toke or shot? Why does this have to be a debate about the legalization of marijuana or something? Even if it were legal, it wouldn't make it harmless.

Why not just find more healthy ways to have fun?

steph

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The responses have been great, thanks. Just to answer a few of the questions that were asked. This is a married couple 10 years, ages 34 and 37 (old enough to know better). both have college degrees and good jobs. they are some what middle class with their own home and all. The relative at the house is the GRANDMOTHER (fathers mother), who I found has known about this since x-mas ( baby born 12/20) and she didn't bother saying anything to them. WHY ARE THEY ALL BEING SO STUPID AND SELFISH !!! It doesn't take a genius to know this is not good. They were always the "Party" couple, but you would think by now, with a new baby they would change.

Well anyway, I did call CPS this weekend, we'll see what happens, they are going to be mad with me, but I'm prepared to deal with it, cause I haven't done anything to harm the baby, THEY DID.

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Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

Fergus, that may be so where you are, but it won't fly around here...Fine if you want to breast feed, but many of our moms are just trying to disguise withdrawal symptoms and get more food from WIC...Many are trying to do the right thing while continuing to do the wrong thing, but in groups I have held, it is glaringly apparent that a vast majority of drug addicted moms who choose to breast feed do so to avoid a visit in the hospital from child protective services..They still love their children, after all...

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Any illicit drug=no breastfeeding in our hospital. If mom tests positive no go. I have to disagree...tainted breastmilk ain't better than formula. Would you drink anything that you knew had some illicit drug in? I know I wouldn't.

I really wouldn't care if it caused a rift in the family or not...what is wrong is wrong.

;) And you don't need the toke and the drink to breastfeed..you need it when they are teens LOL :chuckle

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Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

Hey Nicu girl...It is tempting when they are toddlers too...:p

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am with those who say this is a problem. This mom need educating and to STOP breastfeeding NOW.

The booze and marijuana may only be the tip of the iceberg. Maybe not....either way, she is being reckless and careless. Not real good parenting material to me. BUT she CAN change if she WANTS TO......it will take educating and a change of behavior. I wonder if she is willing/ready.

Sounds very selfish and immature to me, at the VERY least. I think we are mandated to report such things as nurses where I live.

Good luck. You are in a REALLY tough position; I do not envy you. BUT DO THE RIGHT THING please.

PS: WTH is a "SOFT DRUG"???????? anyone?:confused:

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