Tobacco and Nicotine Use While Breastfeeding

Tobacco and e-cigarette use while breastfeeding exposes infants to chemicals in secondhand smoke. Nicotine lowers level of prolactin (milk-making hormone) and travels into breast milk for at least 5-10 hours, impacting infant sleep, metabolism, immune system, and mood.

One of the most significant risk factors for smoking while breastfeeding is the increased risks of Suddent Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs). Because of this increased risk, a parent who smokes should avoid cosleeping and always ensure infant is put to sleep in a separate sleep space, on their back, with no pillows or blankets.

Cigarettes are extremely addictive and it is difficult to quit nicotine without support. If a parent is unable to stop smoking, breastfeeding is still recommended as breastfeeding is protective over SIDS and other respiratory illnesses. To avoid unnecessary exposure:

✔️ Avoid smoking near your infant
✔️ Change clothes and wash hands before close contact with infant (especially while nursing)
✔️ Smoke directly after breastfeeding instead of before

If a parent would like to reduce or stop smoking, nicotine replacements (ex. gum, patches) are compatible with breastfeeding for the shortest duration possible.

Sources
https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/cigarette-smoking-pregnancy/
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/vaccine-medication-drugs/tobacco.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501586/
ABM Clinical Protocol #21