Anxiety and marijuana

[miasmommy07]

I've been having some serious anxiety the past few weeks and its beginning to make me feel depressed. I've had issues with anxiety and depression in the past and before becoming pg I used to smoke pot occassionally, which really helped me. A midwife as well as a friend told me that I can smoke pot while nursing but I want some reassurance before I toke up. BTW I do not want to take medication and have tried many natural remedies but nothing seems to be helping. I do not want to do anything to harm my dd, I'm merely inquiring. I was wondering if any of you moms have found marijuana to be helpful while bf? Thank you for your help and honesty.
*I know that purest milk is best and I fully understand that marijuana is a potentially harmful drug. I'm also new here so if there are previous posts about this please point me in the right direction.

[BeanyMama]

I'm not a DR or anything close, but imo i would think it's healthier than meds. hope you feel better soon.

[Beckula]

The only issues with MJ while nursing is that it lowers prolactin, the hormone that makes us better Moms and causes milk production. It could potentially lower yor milk supply and make you less responsive to your baby. Also it is very, very hard to find pot in this country that is pure so I would be very, very careful where you get it from. I know in my area they like to sprinkle it with crystal meth. Other than that i think its fine as long as you use the smallest amount necessary to get the job done.

[Beckula]

Ahh, I see you live on the Jersey shore, I live in lower Delaware right across the bay. Let me re-iterate be very, very careful where you get the stuff from.

[thixle]

Originally Posted by Beckula

Ahh, I see you live on the Jersey shore, I live in lower Delaware right across the bay. Let me re-iterate be very, very careful where you get the stuff from.

ditto. nothing shiny or odd smelling.

[~minnow~]

Originally Posted by miasmommy07

I I was wondering if any of you moms have found marijuana to be helpful while bf?

Yes. Same issues as you. I feel a million times better than when I was on meds, but I do find that with some mj on stress days I'm happier and more relaxed.

I do know my grower and know that it's 100 percent organic .

My supply is fine and my kid is very attached and healthy.

[Beckula]

hey no judgement from me, just stating what little I know on the subject. It is because those are the only drawbacks I actually think its probably the best choice compared to RX drugs. The only reason I don't do it myself is that I don't know anyone who grows it therefore I can't guarentee whats in it and as I've stated I know for a fact that a lot of dealers around me sprinkle crappy pot with crystal meth so they can sell it as better pot. If I had a situation like yours I'd for darn sure rather do that then take zoloft like I am.

[miasmommy07]

thank you all for your responses. I'm definately going to take your advice into consideration...now i just have to find a quality grower.

[miasmommy07]

Beckula- "I'd for darn sure rather do that then take zoloft like I am."

Been on zoloft ...it sucked. I never want to take anti-depressants again.. I know they help some people but I had a bad experience.

[westcoastma]

I think that if it helps your anxiety and you can avoid pharmecuticals then go forth in moderation. I think the bigger risk (than him getting the chems through your milk) is being able to parent properly. Obviously waiting as long as possible to breastfeed after toking would be best

[steelymaam]

Try posting in the Finding your Tribe area "MJ Mamas." (I think that's the name of the tribe) Pot-friendly mamas who have probably done the research or had experience.

I tend to think of it more as an herb (and a powerfully healing one) than a drug, but still not sure how it would effect a nursing babe.

[Genesis]

In my personal opinion, it's not a good idea to smoke marijuana while nursing. Plus, when I used to smoke it (as a teenager), it actually caused my anxiety to get much worse. Also, the fact that it is illegal is something to consider, I would worry about CPS or going to jail, plus if you smoke MJ you most likely have to deal with a drug dealer, which is a downside IMO. (unless you grow it yourself of course, but that's still illegal...) I know some on here will disagree with me, but that's okay. Good luck in whatever you do, and I hope your anxiety gets better, I know it's a hard thing to deal with!

ETA: Here is some good info from kellymom.com about marijuana and breastfeeding: http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/marijuana.html

[JANmom13]

Ok, this post is really freaking me out.

Have any of you done a Google Scholar or Pubmed search on marijuana and psychosis? I am currently studying schizotypal symptoms in college students who use this substance, and there is TONS of literature out there indicating that use, especially chronic and long term, changes the brain and can increase by many times your chances of having an episode of psychosis, especially schizophrenia. I haven't read yet about the impact on infants breastfeeding, but I'm sure this has been studied as well.

FYI, research also shows that kids who start using BEFORE the age of 17, a critical time of brain development, show worse problems in terms of deficits, higher likelihood of psychosis, etc. so I'm sure that if infants are exposed at all, the impact is even greater.

Think of it like this: the impact of cigarettes on children to the tenth power.

Please look online and read some research articles before making a decision that could seriously impact your future and your child's. A sick child is very stressful.

I think just about anything else would be better at stress relief...a quiet day off work babying yourself (hot bath, reading, etc.), staying home and nursing, taking a walk, mindfulness, etc. Or if it's that bad, perhaps find someone you can see for therapy only (without medication).

Here are some citations if you want to learn more:
Arseneault, L. C., M.; Poulton, R.; Murray, R.; Caspi, A.; & Moffitt, T.E. (2002). "Cannabis use in adolescence and risk for adult psychosis: longitudinal prospective study." British Medical Journal 325: 1212-1213.

Chang, L. Y., R.; Cloak, C.; & Ernst, T. (2006). "Marijuana use is associated with a reorganized visual-attention network and cerebellar hypoactivation." Brain 129: 1096-1112.

Drewe, M. D., J; & Riecher-Rossler, A. (2004). "Cannabis and risk of psychosis." Swiss Med Weekly 134: 659-663.

Dumas, P. S., M.; Bouafia, S.; Gutknecht, C.; Ecochard, R.; Dalery, J.; Rochet, T.; & d'Amato, T. (2002). "Cannabis use correlates with schizotypal personality traits in healthy students." Psychiatry Research 109: 27-35.

Ehrenreich, H. R., T.; Kunert, H.J.; Moeller, M.R.; Poser, W.; Chilling, L.; Gigerenzer, G.; & Hoehe, M.R. (1999). "Specific attentional dysfunction in adults following early start of cannabis use." Psychopharmacology 142: 295-301.

Hambrecht, M. H., H. (2000). "Cannabis, vulnerability, and the onset of schizophrenia: An epidemiological perspective." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 34: 468-475.

Henquet, C., R. Murray, et al. (2005). "The environment and schizophrenia: the role of cannabis use." Schizophr Bull 31(3): 608-12.

Jacobsen, L. K. M., W.E.; Westerveld, M.; & Pugh, K.R. (2004). "Impact of cannabis use on brain function in adolescents." Annals New York Academy of Sciences 1021: 384-390.

Moore, T. H. M. Z., S.; Lingford-Hughes, A.; Barnes, T.R.E.; Jones, P.B.; Burke, M.; & Lewis, G. (2007). "Cannabis use and risk of psychotic or affective mental health outcomes: A systematic review." Lancet 370: 319-328.

Pope, H. G., Jr.; Gruber, A.J.; Hudson, J.I.; Cohane, G.; Huestis, M.A.; & Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2003). "Early-onset cannabis use and cognitive deficits: What is the nature of the association?" Drug and Alcohol Dependence 69: 303-310.

Skosnik, P. D. S.-G., L.; & Park, S. (2001). "Cannabis use is associated with schizotypy and attentional disinhibition." Schizophrenia Research 48: 83-92.

Stefanis, N. C. D., P.; Henquet, C.; Bakoula, C.; Stefanis, C.N.; & Os, J.V. (2004). "Research Report: Early adolescent cannabis exposure and positive and negative dimensions of psychosis." Addiction 99: 1333-1341.

Veen, N. D. S., J.; ven der Tweel, I.; Feller, W.G.; Hoek, H.W.; & Kahn, R.S. (2004). "Cannabis use and age at onset of schizophrenia." American Journal of Psychiatry 161(3): 501-506.

Williams, J. H. W., N.A.; & Rawlins, J.N.P. (1996). "Cannabis use correlates with schizotypy in healthy people." Addiction 91(6): 869-877.

[stacyann21]

I have read studies that show babies whose mothers smoke marijuana on a regular basis during BFing may show decreased motor development at one year. Like a pp said, marijuana also lowers prolactin levels (your milk supply). I'm not exactly sure how it would help with anxiety either seeing as how it often causes paranoia and nervousness itself. I won't even go into caring for a baby when you're on drugs. Personally, I'd go another route.

[maplesugar]

I am all for mj usage during breastfeeding over pharmaceuticals!

I think that the studies posted by JANmom13 are bogus and probably funded by beg pharma. Just my thoughts.

Compare side effects of cannabis and any anti-anxiety drug out there. The pharmaceuticals are truly terrifying, imo.

I know many breastfeeding, cannabis using moms. They all have smart, normal babies.

I would just get good stuff and use as little as possible to get the job done.

Also there are other things that can help such as valerian taken at night, and cod liver oil. Sine you know how mj effects you, I would not worry about it having bad effects.

good luck!

[majazama]

Originally Posted by Natural Mommy*J

In my personal opinion, it's not a good idea to smoke marijuana while nursing. Plus, when I used to smoke it (as a teenager), it actually caused my anxiety to get much worse.

Ummmm, it doesn't effect everyone the same.

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by majazama

Ummmm, it doesn't effect everyone the same.

I'm well aware of that, I never said it did. I was just giving my experience. There's also supposedly some studies that show that long term use of MJ can cause many different kinds of psychological problems.

[majazama]

Originally Posted by Natural Mommy*J

I'm well aware of that, I never said it did. I was just giving my experience. There's also supposedly some studies that show that long term use of MJ can cause many different kinds of psychological problems.

i disagree. The way that you worded it sounded like it acts the same w/ everyone.

Rasta moms in jamaica were studied, as they heavily use MJ in preg and during BFing. Their babies were just as healthy or even more so than non-MJ moms.

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by Natural Mommy*J

In my personal opinion, it's not a good idea to smoke marijuana while nursing. Plus, when * I * used to smoke it (as a teenager), it actually caused * my * anxiety to get much worse. [/url]

Originally Posted by majazama

i disagree. The way that you worded it sounded like it acts the same w/ everyone.

Rasta moms in jamaica were studied, as they heavily use MJ in preg and during BFing. Their babies were just as healthy or even more so than non-MJ moms.

You disagree with what? See what I bolded above, I used "me" statements, I never said it causes anxiety as a rule for every single person who smokes. Let's just agree to disagree on the issue, and move on.

[JANmom13]

No, if you actually look and READ the first page, they are from the US and European Countries by people who actually have spent years studying this and other substances, and psychosis, and schizophrenia.

I would like to add that too much of ANY substance (natural or man-made) can have bad effects on anyone, depending on their individual tolerance level and the substance involved. Even if the mother isn't impacted by something she takes, it doesn't at all mean the child would react to it the same way. A lot of mothers can tolerate dairy but find their babies can't, for example.

It is amazing to me that people here will post that they are so concerned about when to start feeding their babies rice cereal or applesauce or getting immunizations but then go on and support other mothers using ILLEGAL (they are illegal for a reason, you know) substances...and while breastfeeding! This isn't fenugreek or blessed thistle...this is a mind-altering substance that MAY impact your baby who is in a period of rapid BRAIN development. Sheesh, common sense people!

BTW - there are many crack babies who grew up fine, healthy and intelligent, but not all are so lucky. It's a roll of the dice. We always live with the consequences of our choices.