smoking while breastfeeding?

It is better to smoke and breastfeed than to bottle feed.

That does not make it GOOD to smoke and breastfeed. The less you can smoke, the better.

"Myth: A mother who smokes is better not to breastfeed. Not true! A mother who cannot stop smoking should breastfeed. Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the baby's lungs, for example. Breastfeeding confers great health benefits on both mother and baby. It would be better if the mother not smoke, but if she cannot stop or cut down, then it is better she smoke and breastfeed than smoke and formula feed."

http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_c...

"Should a mother who smokes cigarettes breastfeed?

First of all, a mom who can't stop smoking should breastfeed. Breastfeeding provides many immunities that help your baby fight illness and can even help counteract some of the effects of cigarette smoke on your baby: for example, breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the negative effects of cigarette smoke on a baby's lungs. It's definitely better if breastfeeding moms not smoke, but if you can't stop or cut down, then it is better to smoke and breastfeed than to smoke and formula feed.

The more cigarettes that you smoke, the greater the health risks for you and your baby. If you can't stop smoking, or don't want to stop smoking, it's safer for your baby if you cut down on the number of cigarettes that you smoke."

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/smoking.h...

&

"The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, will be stored in mom's fat tissues for long periods (weeks to months) and will build up in the body with continued use. Small to moderate secretion into breastmilk has been documented, and THC is concentrated in human milk. According to Hale, analysis of breastmilk from chronic heavy users indicated an eight-fold concentration in milk compared to mom's blood plasma, however the dose received by baby was insufficient to produce significant side effects. Studies have shown significant absorption and metabolism in infants, although long term effects have not been shown."

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/marijuana...

It is better for the baby to be breastfed, whether the mother is a smoker or not. Breast milk is such a higher quality that even with trace amounts of nicotine in the milk, it is still more nutritious than formula. You didn't say how heavy she smokes, but if she can keep it under 20 cigarettes a day, the baby will not be affected at all. Contrary to popular opinion, the baby will not get hooked on nicotine from the breast milk unless the mother is an extremely heavy smoker, and even then it is unlikely, although possible. There are only trace amounts found in milk right after a mother smokes, 90 minutes later there will be nothing in the milk. It's just like drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, it's perfectly acceptable as long as you time it right with the baby's feedings. You can go to the AAP website and read all about this, it even states that forcing a mother to give up alcohol and smoking while breastfeeding is placing unnecessary demands on her. Hopefully your sister at least will do a heavy cleaning( clean carpets and curtains etc..) and not smoke in the house after the baby is born. Secondhand smoke is FAR more dangerous than breastfeeding. If she can't quit smoking altogether, at least she could compromise and step outside for the baby's sake and wash up before handling the baby.

Several things can happen.

- Your smoking agents are killing some of the antibodies in your breastmilk which lowers the strength of your babies immune system.

- It could cause digestive problems for your baby, and cause them to spit up after every feeding

- The smell of cigarettes on your clothes and hair can also effect the baby, down to ear infections, difficulty breathing, and higher chance of catching allergies to common things around them.

I know this because I made the mistake of smoking right after my son was born until just now when I realized I was pregnant. It can really hurt your baby, and I hope you choose to offer them the best you can possibly give, which is healthy milk.

100% Natural Quit Smoking Magic : http://go.quitsmokingmagics.com/

Just be on the safe side.

Either don't do it while breastfeeding, or use formula.

I was not breast-fed (long story) as a child, and I have had no health problems, nor am I un-close to my mother. No bad effects from formula.

I don't care what people say, I think you should either not smoke or give your baby formula.

The nicotine will be absorbed into your breast milk, and you will be feeding it to your baby. Smoking and breastfeeding should not co-exsist.

smoking cigs will pass nictotine through your breastmilk, smoking weed will also pass the THC through. It may cause health problems down the road.

Anything that goes into you....also goes into your baby

(in smaller amounts)

ummmm....i dont think u should do that beause its not gud and your baby may get sick...and i know no mother would want that 2 happen......soo i would say no 2 doin that while u smoke....thankz

it could effect the baby's birth right after giving birth.....so be careful.....^_^