Can You Use CBD While Breastfeeding? Uses, Safety and More

After giving birth, a new mother may choose to take cannabidiol (CBD) supplements for a variety of reasons. Post-partum depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia are a few of the most typical causes. These issues are more prevalent in the first few weeks following childbirth as the body adjusts to the numerous routine changes. 

It's critical to keep in mind that any CBD you consume while breastfeeding will transfer some of that CBD to the child. 

Some mothers may take CBD supplements or any other supplements for their infant, especially if the baby is crying and fussing a lot or has inflammatory conditions. 

In this article, we'll discuss the safety of using CBD and other associated cannabinoids while nursing, as well as the most common explanations for why a mom may choose to use CBD for herself or her child. 

CBD's potential benefits for breastfeeding mothers 

There are many reasons why a woman might think about using CBD while nursing. Because it often signals the beginning of a new stage of life, this is a sensitive time for women. As a result, having to alter several of their daily activities and habits may be nerve-wracking for several new mothers. 

This alteration may have a negative impact on stress levels, sleeping patterns, and other factors, which may result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia that can all be treated with CBD.  

Additionally, breast milk is among the most effective methods for providing active substances to a baby. The outcomes are the same whether you take the supplement yourself to treat your own problems and then give it to the infant as a side effect, or take it for the baby and then give it to them as a side effect. 

The most frequent causes of a woman wanting to use CBD while breastfeeding is listed below. We have also discussed how CBD may help with those symptoms. 

1. Problems with sleep 

Insomnia is both a condition and a symptom. This condition is one of the most prevalent medical conditions worldwide, particularly among young parents. 

Postpartum insomnia can have a variety of causes, including frequent nighttime feedings for your infant and widespread neurological changes brought on by your body adjusting to a new way of life. 

The likelihood of insomnia in infants is lower, but it is still possible. 

Due to its relaxing and sedative properties, CBD is a fantastic supplement if you are struggling with insomnia. Experts have reported that people who take doses of CBD greater than 200 mg could indeed sleep for longer periods of time and feel more rested the next day than those who take nothing to aid their sleep. 

2. Depression 

One in 10 women will experience postpartum depression at some point in their lives. The severity of this condition can vary; some women only experience mild symptoms for just a few weeks following giving birth, while others may develop chronic depression that lasts for years. 

Although CBD has some special anti-depressant properties, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, including CBD, which is derived from herbs. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial before beginning treatment for this condition because there are numerous potential causes. 

Having said that, CBD does have some significant advantages for treating various forms of depression. Additionally, some clinical trials are currently being conducted to examine how CBD affects various forms of depression. 

3. Anxiety 

In the postpartum period, 4% to 11% of women are given an anxiety diagnosis, but many more go untreated. The truth is that new parents experience anxiety frequently in general, but particularly in the initial weeks of giving birth. 

Different types of anxiety in babies have been known to manifest as excessive crying and lack of sleep. Babies are sensitive to emotions. Therefore, parents who are stressed or anxious are the most significant reason for infant anxiety. Since it can increase the binding capacity of the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which essentially serves as the nervous system's brake pedal, CBD is helpful for anxiety-related symptoms. GABA functions to slow down our neurological activity and assist us in relaxing when we begin to move too quickly, for example, in an anxiety attack. 

4. Pain management 

As they take care of their infants, new mothers experience a wide range of pains and aches. Although frequently unexpected, new mothers frequently experience wrist, thumb, or hand pain. Repeated lifting of the baby, holding the baby's head while breastfeeding, having to carry the car seat, and twisting of the wrists and hands are all causes of pain. They may also experience headaches because of stress and a lack of enough sleep. 

CBD possesses analgesic properties that help with both chronic and acute pain. Therefore, they may choose to use CBD products for their pain and aches.

Safety concerns about using CBD oil while breastfeeding

For breastfeeding mothers, using any substance, even one that is natural like CBD oil, can cause concerns. The most typical queries new mothers might have about using CBD oil are listed below.

Is it safe to use CBD while nursing? 

Given the reasons why someone might think about using CBD while nursing, the crucial question is whether the baby will be safe. 

Some substances will enter the breast milk from the bloodstream and naturally affect the unborn child. 

Substances that disintegrate in fat will get into breast milk a lot more easily than those that dissolve in water because breast milk contains a lot of fatty substances. 

Because CBD is a fat-soluble substance, it will easily pass through breast milk and into the infant's digestive system. Even though the amount that enters breast milk is obviously very small, we must take it into account before giving permission to proceed. It's best to consult a medical practitioner before using CBD if you’re still breastfeeding. 

Does CBD give you a high? 

Without a doubt, no. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. Despite having similar therapeutic effects, THC and CBD differ in the following significant way: CBD does not produce the same intoxicating "high" as THC. 

Since it won't get you high, CBD is becoming more commonly accepted and utilized to treat a wide range of illnesses, including anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. 

Does CBD oil get into breast milk to harm it? 

Sadly, there is no conclusive response to this query. Although it has been demonstrated that THC enters breast milk and can harm an infant, little is known about the consequences of CBD oil on newborns. 

However, it is important to bear in mind that some active ingredients, which are created by the body's endocannabinoid system, are naturally found in breast milk. CBD has been demonstrated to pose little risk to both children and adults, whereas marijuana shouldn't be taken at all while breastfeeding or during pregnancy. So, CBD may not be problematic. 

Before using CBD oil, especially if you're a new mother, you should consult your doctor. 

What does the research say about using CBD while breastfeeding? 

Sadly, very little research investigating the interactions between CBD supplementation in infants is currently available. 

Older studies investigating how THC and other cannabinoids interact have produced less-than-ideal findings. 

THC is thought to be harmful to infants, so breastfeeding mothers should refrain from using psychoactive cannabis products like THC oils, marijuana, or pharmaceutical preparations comprising THC or THC derivative products. 

However, CBD is a completely different matter. THC is not recommended for babies or young children because it is not psychoactive and does not interact with the brain's neurotransmitters in the same way that serotonin does. 

Instead of pushing the body in one particular direction or the other, CBD functions through completely different processes, acting primarily as a balancing agent that supports homeostasis in the body. 

What do experts say about the safety of CBD for nursing mothers? 

Doctors' views on CBD use in young children will differ. Due to a lack of studies demonstrating the substance's safety, the majority of doctors choose the path of caution and advise against using it. 

We have a similar problem with several medications and supplements. Some doctors will use caution when administering supplements to infants and small children as long as there are no overt warning signs that the supplement might be harmful. However, just because we don't have the studies to prove that something is safe doesn't mean it is dangerous. 

Despite the fact that many breastfeeding women use CBD, there are hardly any reports or stories of any negative effects. 

There are currently no negative published studies or clinical trials that demonstrate a negative effect. This implies the drug is safe to be used while nursing, but requires close monitoring by a doctor to look out for any problems. 

Even high doses of CBD used to handle seizure disorders have been shown, in some studies, to be safe for young children (although not infants). 

Ways to use CBD  

CBD products can be incorporated into your daily wellness and health routine in more forms than ever before. More new and unique CBD products are available on the market than you can possibly imagine. They include CBD-infused bottled water, edible CBD gummies, and CBD vape juice with a peppermint flavor. The following are the forms of CBD that you may use while breastfeeding: 

1. Tinctures 

Tinctures are herbal extracts that are either extracted into a solvent such as vegetable glycerin, alcohol, or vinegar. The method is more expensive but doesn't decimate many critical elements of the herb itself. Herbal tinctures were traditionally almost exclusively consumed orally, either directly or when incorporated into a beverage or meal. CBD tinctures are among the most popular and effective CBD product categories on the market right now. 

It's important to remember that taking the drops under your tongue rather than with food or drink improves potency and absorption. 

2. Edibles 

Innovative edible formats are attracting consumers' attention more and more as one of many brand-new CBD products. There are many reasons why edible CBD products are popular, including their flavor, convenience, and discretion. The occasionally earthy and overpowering taste of CBD products is among the most frequently voiced criticisms. Some consumers find it simply too difficult to swallow. In delicious treats such as baked goods, snacks, or smoothies, edibles disguise the taste. 

Additionally, it is simple to dose all day long with edibles. The process of placing droppers underneath the tongue every so often can become tiresome for those who need a higher daily intake of CBD. Edibles are a simple and hassle-free way to increase the dose of CBD because they can conceal a more potent extraction. The CBD-infused edible should, however, be consumed on an empty stomach, preferably by itself, as other foods may interfere with the compound's absorption. Additionally, studies have shown that the bioavailability of CBD is increased if the edible is fatty or oily. 

3. Oral sprays 

A novel way to consume CBD oil tinctures is through sprays. Sprays are popular as a delivery method, probably due to how simple they are to use. In comparison to edibles, a CBD spray entails an oral delivery approach that is arguably simpler and faster to use. The best way to use the product is sublingually, and many modern CBD sprays are infused with natural flavorings to help hide the earthy flavor of the CBD itself. 

4. Topicals, salves and balms 

Another method of using CBD products that is gaining popularity is topical administration. Among other topical forms of CBD oil, CBD salves and balms are incredibly well-liked by people who suffer from aching joints, skin problems and muscle issues. Topical uses of cannabinoids such as CBD have a direct impact on the specific location and offer an efficient and natural method of pain relief. 

5. Vaping 

When compared to the other methods examined in this article, inhaling cannabinoids is among the most efficient methods of consumption. Cannabinoids such as CBD get into the bloodstream almost instantly when vaped because they enter through the respiratory system. Oral CBD oil administration relies on the body's ability to break down, digest, and dissipate the CBD into the bloodstream. This delivery method is neither the fastest nor the most bioavailable, as was already mentioned.

Use of CBD while breastfeeding: ingestible vs topical  

There is a dearth of information on the long-term effects of CBD ingestible versus topical use. The fact that CBD doesn't enter your bloodstream the same way makes topical CBD items a little safer. Women who have recently given birth may rub a CBD salve on sore muscles, scars, or sore nipples. However, before your infant latches, be sure to clean your nipples. 

It's crucial to understand that using CBD topically while breastfeeding is still regarded as experimental. Don't ever feel obligated to utilize something you don't want just because you purchased it. 

Ensuring safety: Choose CBD products with third-party testing

If you decide to utilize CBD after giving birth, you should be cautious about the brand you get. Choose carefully to avoid low-quality products as well as those with contaminants. 

When using CBD anywhere around infants, it's crucial to use an organic one so you can be sure that the oils are free of pesticides, solvents, and heavy metal contaminants that could have been left during the manufacturing process. 

Despite the fact that CBD is generally not considered to be harmful to infants, these substances most definitely are and must be avoided whenever possible. 

It's crucial to find a trusted manufacturer who offers transparency by third-party testing all of their products because low-quality CBD products frequently contain contaminants. 

In order to look for anything from pesticides and heavy metals to microbial contaminants like fungi and bacteria, third-party labs offer a neutral analysis of products. To make sure the amount of THC content stays well below the 0.3% safety threshold, they also have cannabinoid levels tested. 

Ensuring safety: The key is observation and moderation

Whether or not CBD is the proper supplement for you, particularly while breastfeeding, is up to you and your doctor's discretion. 

We advise you to tell your doctor about your plans and ask their opinion. Your doctor might approve of your use of CBD depending on your motivations, particularly if the advantages of the supplement exceed any minor drawbacks. 

Even if your physician does give the go-ahead for you to begin using CBD while you breastfeed, they will probably advise you to use it sparingly. 

To improve your quality of life, use the oils to manage symptom flare-ups. 

Final thoughts: CBD while breastfeeding

There are numerous reasons why someone might decide to use CBD, ranging from inflammation and depression to sleeping problems and anxiety. Any CBD that you consume while breastfeeding may end up in your breast milk and finally in the baby’s system. 

In contrast to a number of other cannabinoids, such as THC, which have been shown to be harmful to young children and newborns, there aren't any overt signs that CBD is risky for babies. However, the safety of CBD hasn't been established either, which is why numerous physicians opt for the side of caution and advise against taking the supplement. We strongly advise first speaking with your doctor about your intentions if you decide to use CBD products for yourself or your baby via breast milk.