Smoking during breastfeeding: Safe or not?

Breastfeeding can be a tricky phase for new mothers, who may have a list of do’s and don’ts to follow. From diet and posture to exercise and liquid intake, women need to keep a check on their daily lifestyle habits to ensure a smooth breastfeeding journey for themselves and their baby. This can include habits such as smoking and drinking. The side effects of smoking may be felt harder by women during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding. Know how smoking during breastfeeding affects the mother and the child, and why you must stop this habit!

Side effects of smoking during breastfeeding

Motherhood requires patience. Whatever you do during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can affect the development and health of your baby. According to Dr Kanchankumar Ramrao Bhagyawant, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, smoking during breastfeeding can have severe consequences, including:

1. Poison in breast milk

A cigarette includes arsenic, cyanide, lead, and formaldehyde, which can enter the breast ducts and intoxicate the milk supply. “A cigarette contains toxic substances like nicotine that can be transmitted through breast milk. This may affect an infant’s physical condition,” adds Dr Bhagyawant. It can even reduce a mother’s milk supply. It was found in a report by MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health and Harvard Medical School that women who smoke over 10 cigarettes a day experienced reduced milk supply and changes in milk production.

Also Read: Here’s how to deal with breast and nipple issues while you breastfeed

2. Respiratory issues

As per the report by The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, babies exposed to secondhand smoke in the womb during pregnancy, infancy and childhood, may get exposed to endotoxins, which can cause inflammation in the lungs. The expert also states that babies exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk of getting respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis.

3. Increased SIDS risk

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS refers to the unexpected death of a baby who is usually less than a year old and seems healthy. Smoking is a major risk factor for both SIDS and respiratory tract infections, as per a study published in the journal Child Care Health and Development. Cigarette smoking has been associated with increased rates of SIDS before and after childbirth, so quitting smoking is crucial to keep your baby healthy.

4. Behavioral disorders

Maternal smoking has also been linked to behavioral problems in children involving attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), says the expert. Inhaling nicotine during infancy has also been linked to behavioral changes and you may notice feeling irritated, crying excessively, lacking energy, and deficiency of colour on the face, according to a study published in the journal Revista Paulista de Pediatria.

5. May lead to sleep problems

Smoking during breastfeeding may also cause the babies to experience sleep problems. The study published in Revista Paulista de Pediatria, it was also found that smoking may alter the sleep and wake patterns of breastfed babies.

How to stop smoking?

For anyone who smokes, tobacco cravings can be difficult to fight. However, there are a few tips you can try to help you stop smoking:

1. Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy is a treatment to help people stop smoking and use products that supply low levels of nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider about this therapy and how it can help you.

2. Avoid the triggers

Recognise what triggers your urge to smoke and develop strategies to cope with them. Stay away from places or people who make you want to smoke and create a smoke-free environment at home. Some common triggers might be stress, certain routines, or social situations.

3. Create a smoke-free environment

If you smoke, make sure you are not smoking near your baby and create a smoke-free environment in your car and home. Try to keep your cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and vaping devices outside to avoid the problems.

4. Know the benefits

Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking for your own and your baby’s health. These include reducing the risk of respiratory issues and promoting overall health as well.

5. Try relaxation techniques

While smoking may be your way to relax and deal with stress, fighting back against a tobacco craving can be more stressful. Try some relaxation techniques such as yoga, massage, or listening to calming music to deal with stress.

Smoking during breastfeeding can be detrimental to the health of the newborn baby. Maternal support for quitting and health professionals should be approached regarding concerns about alcoholic intake.