From mental health to blood pressure and beyond, CBD oil is growing in popularity to treat a myriad of health and wellness symptoms. The growing acceptance (and legality) of marijuana products has unleashed a surge of CBD products, including broad-spectrum CBD oil to gummies and topical creams. With potential benefits including reduced anxiety and depression, better sleep, and pain relief, CBD oil seems like an obvious choice for new mothers. However, these new mothers don’t have only their own bodies to think about; they have to consider their future newborns. This consideration begs the question — is CBD oil safe for nursing a baby?
Nursing mothers are well aware of how carefully they need to monitor their consumption. While certain pharmaceuticals, foods, and drinks are off-limits, CBD oil may initially be enough of a gray area to question. So — can you take hemp oil while breastfeeding? Let’s dive into what you need to know.
CBD Oil and Breastfeeding: What Does the Science Say?
Research regarding how CBD oil interacts with the human body is ongoing, yet there are many ethical constraints around using nursing mothers and their babies in studies. This leaves the community at large with a gap in their empirical research, as virtually no studies are available. However, pertinent information on the subject can shed some light.
First, let’s address a few common questions new mothers might have when determining whether it’s safe to take CBD oil while breastfeeding.
Will CBD Get Me High?
No. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. While the cannabis plant’s most well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, does have an intoxicating effect (the “high”), CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. Both THC and CBD have therapeutic properties, but CBD won’t cause a high.
Although CBD will not impair you, if it’s taken for insomnia or anxiety, CBD may have a relaxing or calming effect, so consider taking it for the first time when you’re not the sole caretaker until you know how it affects you.
How Could CBD Help Me?
Recent studies have shown that CBD is a safe, non-addictive way to help treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia, all of which are common maladies among new mothers. CBD oil has been shown to reduce depression in several different ways, one of which is by increasing the amount of anandamide in the brain. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter commonly called the “bliss molecule.” CBD also helps reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Why Mothers Would Take CBD Oil While Breastfeeding
While the uncertainty of CBD oil and its impacts on nursing infants may be a reason for some mothers to stay away completely, for others, there still may be a reason to consider it. Given the physical and hormonal changes that happen after childbirth, there’s little wonder that postpartum support organizations receive many calls every day asking about CBD and breastfeeding.
There are several reasons a woman may consider using CBD oil while breastfeeding. After all, it’s an extremely delicate phase in a woman’s life because, for many, it marks the beginning of a brand new phase of life. This can be stressful for many, as it forces them to change up lots of their daily routines and habits. Aside from a change in mood and schedule, the change can drum up several other drawbacks, including disrupted nighttime patterns and even depression — all of which may be addressed by CBD.
Here are some of the most common reasons a woman may want to use CBD oil while breastfeeding a newborn:
Sleeping issues: Insomnia is one of the most common health conditions in the world — especially among new mothers. CBD is an excellent supplement for those with insomnia due to its relaxing effects.
Depression: Postpartum depression affects around one in ten women, with ranging severity. CBD offers some powerful benefits to different causes of depression.
Anxiety: It’s not uncommon for women in the postpartum period to experience anxiety — whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Since babies are incredibly receptive to emotions — especially their mother’s — CBD may be able to work wonders between the parent-child relationship in the early stages.
How Does Taking CBD Oil While Breastfeeding Affect the Baby?
There’s not a conclusive answer here, either. CBD oil has been shown to be of little risk to adults and children, but there have been virtually no studies on CBD and breastfeeding. The few studies that have been conducted have been inconclusive. Always speak to your doctor before using CBD oil, especially if you’re nursing or pregnant.
If you do plan to take CBD while nursing, here are some recommendations if you choose to proceed.
- Speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking CBD while nursing. Be sure to provide a list of medications you’re already taking to be sure there are no interactions.
- Make sure the CBD you purchase is completely free of THC and that it has been tested by an accredited third-party testing facility. These are important under any circumstance but critical for a nursing mother.
- Start with a low dose. Many people start off with a 5 mg dose.
- Observe your baby for any changes in behavior, digestion, or hunger. If you notice any, discontinue use and call your doctor.
Does CBD Pass Through Breast Milk?
Unfortunately, no one is sure. CBD is fat-soluble, which makes it difficult to detect in fat-dense breast milk. There are methods to detect THC concentrations in breast milk, but so far, nothing conclusive for CBD. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are hopeful to have an answer in the near future.
It’s worth keeping in mind that there are some cannabinoids naturally present in breast milk. On the other hand, products containing THC have been shown to be detrimental and should be avoided during pregnancy and while nursing.
So — Is CBD Oil Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Babies?
From issues falling asleep to inflammation to seasonal depression, there are countless reasons someone may choose to use CBD. While any CBD a new mother takes while breastfeeding can make its way into breast milk — and therefore your baby —, there is no clear indication it is unsafe, especially when compared to other cannabinoids that have been proven to be unsafe for newborns and young children, such as THC. Keep in mind that CBD products haven’t been approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in terms of dosage or method of delivery.
While CBD oil has not been shown to be addictive, it also hasn’t definitively been proven safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen and thoroughly research the products you are considering, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you and your doctor have deemed it safe to use CBD oil for yourself while breastfeeding, it’s imperative to turn to a trusted retailer that cares about you and your loved ones’ wellbeing. With CBD ReThink, you’ve found that reliable source.
For more information about our CBD oil and other products, reach out to our team today.
