"Medical" Marijuana during Labor - Page 6

[TCMoulton]

Originally Posted by opportunityknocks

legal or not, i dont think it is a good idea to smoke pot while pregnant or for pain management..

i rather the epidural than pot..

I have to say that I agree with this. With my epidural I was carefully monitored for any complications that might arise - if a mom were to come to the hospital after smoking at home and is in need of an emergency C/S there is a definite risk of harmful interaction with the anaesthesia necessary for surgery.

[PicklinQueen]

what an excellent thread: thank you for all the links to various articles etc.
I've used MJ a few times during my pregnancy, and am also concerned about THC "dump" and hospital testing. I did alot of research online before smoking while preggers, and was unable to find anything that proved a negative correlation between prenatal MJ consumption and health issues for baby.
However, before pregnancy, I was a heavy user, and am concerned about whatever has been stocked in my fat cells (bountiful as they are!).
I also have a question for you knowledgeable ladies out there: is tch passed through breastmilk? In what amounts? I'm worried about *if* I resume a higher level of consumption (mind you, this isnt about getting high. I self-medicate for anxiety, depression and insomnia, largely prefering MJ to other, more toxic drugs. Have been doing so for years, with zero adverse effects on my physical and mental health. In fact the hardest thing while pregnant has been reducing my consumption, and dealing with the ensuing insomnia and depression) while breastfeeding, if A) my LO would test positive if tested and B) whether my LO would get the effects of "getting stoned" or "high".
I wouldnt want to intoxicate LO, and am concerned about the amount of fat in breastmilk carrying concentrated amounts of THC into such a little body.

[kriket]

Have you ladies that are anti pot in labour, have you ever smoked pot? I think a lot of people vilify a drug that is less 'harmful' then alcohol because they have never tried it and honestly, don't know what they are talking about.


PicklinQueen: there is a really good (and really long) pot in pregnancy thread around here somewhere. I've also smoked during PGcy its the only way I could keep dinner down some days. Mind you, I have 1/2 a bowl once-twice a week.

[LionessMom]

i have a charge on my record form 12 yrs ago. when i had DD they tested the first diaper for drugs. i would quit smoking pot at least 2 or even 3 months before your due date. there will be no "dirty" test. everyone will be clean. then when you get home i wouldnt reccomend starting up again until 3 months pp. i dont have any data. but my doc reccomended both the quitting 2 months before and waiting till babe was older. ftr, i have never noticed a difference in an lo after the mom has smoked. but any mom i have seen smoke and bf didnt smoke any more than was needed to treat the issue. also , just to think about, co sleeping with an infant who cant roll over or anything while high is dangerous. jmo. i personally would wait till lo is at least 6 months. there are lots of studies on the internet. i hope you can find some that help.

[MomtoXane]

Here is a link on breastfeeding - http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/marijuana.html

[onlyAngil]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

I have to say that I agree with this. With my epidural I was carefully monitored for any complications that might arise - if a mom were to come to the hospital after smoking at home and is in need of an emergency C/S there is a definite risk of harmful interaction with the anaesthesia necessary for surgery.

Just what is this "definite risk of harmful interaction"?

People keep telling me there is a risk, but no one ever seems to know or at lest be able to tell me what the risk is.

I'm not saying there is not one, just want to know what it is.

~Thanks

[kriket]

I agree about waiting until baby is older to start up again. I couldn't and wouldn't want to smoke and care for an infant. Now, if LO is 6 or so months old and with grandma for the evening you better believe I'm pumping a bottle and getting BAKED!

[Chronic Chrissy]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

I have to say that I agree with this. With my epidural I was carefully monitored for any complications that might arise - if a mom were to come to the hospital after smoking at home and is in need of an emergency C/S there is a definite risk of harmful interaction with the anaesthesia necessary for surgery.

I smoked right before going under anaesthsia(to calm my nerves) and have never had a reation, When I once told the anaesthiologist while I was waiting for it to kick in he said that he would be more concerned if I had had a drink the night before.
Also I would like to point out that pot does different things to different people, and it also depends on the strain, but not all moms get "high" from it, and not all moms get "knocked out" by it either.
Also legal reasons for not doing it are not the same as medical reasons. Not every hospitals steals diapers, and some moms here have access to health care that requires we know what tests they are doing, no suprises, and we always have a right to refuse without giving a reason.

I really must find you some of my in depth past posts that talk about how infants in the womb and breastfed do not ingest or are effected by THC, only the already reacted and broken down "peices" of the compound, and that drug tests don't test for THC they only test for these peices, which creates a false assumption that an infant has been exposed to THC in such a way that it has reacted within it body and affected it in any way. It is physically impossible for your child to become "high" through you because of the rate and speed that THC metabolizes withing your body before it can be processed and passed to your child. Well that pretty much sums it up, but I'll still try to find it.

[*Erin*]

since pot now makes me totally panicky and horrible feeling, my personal answer is no for you though? i see nothing wrong with it!

[thixle]

Originally Posted by Chronic Chrissy

... only the already reacted and broken down "peices" of the compound, and that drug tests don't test for THC they only test for these peices, which creates a false assumption that an infant has been exposed to THC in such a way that it has reacted within it body and affected it in any way. It is physically impossible for your child to become "high" through you because of the rate and speed that THC metabolizes withing your body before it can be processed and passed to your child. Well that pretty much sums it up, but I'll still try to find it.

I'd love to see the studies!!! I have read something similar before.

PicklinQueen- I have never seen a baby/child "act high" or lethargic or anything else from the mother smoking. And I've seen several mother/baby pairs that have just smoked. One of them has a chronic illness that she could get a medical mj card for if she lived in another state and on some days, her mj consumption was quite high *ahem* Her preschooler can read and write and has excellent motor skills (rivaling a 6 year old on all the charts). Another has a 9 month old that is the picture of health and alertness and is beginning to walk already. If anything, the LOs I know whose mothers smoke are more "advanced" and "well-behaved" because their mommies are less stressed/depressed/sleep deprived/in pain and can take care of their children better with the occasional (and sometimes daily) use of mj for medicinal purposes... and about half of those I know that smoke also breastfeed.

[candiland]

An acquaintance of mine entered the hospital in labor, both she and her husband reeking of pot (he grew top strain marijuana - the very very stinky kind - and apparently they had a puff on their way to the hospital). I'm not sure if the powers that be took temporary custody or not - I can't remember, unfortunately. I do remember that she was not allowed to breastfeed because she had drugs in her system. I guess smelling like pot gave them cause to test her and subsequently decide that FORMULA was healthier for babe than breastmilk with mj in it.

[Chronic Chrissy]

Originally Posted by thixle

I'd love to see the studies!!! I have read something similar before.

That's the thing though, there are no studies about this particular matter because all you have to do is read the medical text on exactly how THC from marijuana reacts inside the body and where it all takes place. It is impossible for the THC to reach the child. They don't do studies on it because they know what the findings will be and that it will go against their cause of what they are trying to prove. And without studies they can claim ignorance and not validate these facts. It really all has to do with propaganda.

[ainh]

Originally Posted by Chronic Chrissy

That's the thing though, there are no studies about this particular matter because all you have to do is read the medical text on exactly how THC from marijuana reacts inside the body and where it all takes place. It is impossible for the THC to reach the child. They don't do studies on it because they know what the findings will be and that it will go against their cause of what they are trying to prove. And without studies they can claim ignorance and not validate these facts. It really all has to do with propaganda.

Actually, I believe it's a little more complicated than propaganda.

I have a close friend who has her PhD in neuroscience and she did her dissertation on the effects of drugs (mostly anti-depressants) on pregnant women and fetuses ... and then the resulting babies.

It turns out that what passes on to the baby is highly dependent on the mother's genetics and how much the placenta "passes" or "pushes". This is why some women can drink a lot with no effect on the baby and others can consume a small amount and end up having a baby with FAS. She said that there are blood tests that indicate whether you're a "passer" or a "pusher", but that they don't know the full story yet.

The problem with this information that they gathered is that what is "okay" for one mom-baby pair isn't necessarily "okay" for another mom-baby pair. Sucks, eh?

I'm guessing that some women pass more or less of the components of THC too, depending on their genetics. Sadly it's not such an easy answer, eh?

[groovynaturemama]

Originally Posted by opportunityknocks

i rather the epidural than pot..

not me.... an epidural carries a FAR GREATER risk to both mother and baby than MJ ever will. period. a risk of c-section, fetal heart decels, epi complications for the mother, the headache that can occur afterwards for the mother, etc. i'd rather nothing (which is how i birthed the first time and will again come june) than an epi. the thought of a needle being in close proximity to my spinal cord...yeah, i'd take the pot or nothing over that any day.

i will say that smoking anything can decrease oxygen to the placenta, so eating it would probably be better (the strength can be unpredictable, however, and you could end up a lot higher than you'd care to be). the deprivation to the placenta occurs while actively smoking. the oxygen depravation/recovery is comparible to when you breathe again after a long, hard push in the pushing phase of labor. that's about all i know, and it only relates to smoking and how oxygen is compromised.

i'm not for or against it. i'm pro choice on this matter. for me, i think it'd make me too hypersensitive (judging from years past; years long past), and it would not be a good pain management tool for me in labor.

[kriket]

Originally Posted by liss_420

i will say that smoking anything can decrease oxygen to the placenta,

agreed, thats why quit nicotine (among others reasons) I've been thinking about a "volcano" or other atomizer for this reason, but honestly, how much "smoking" is really involved in smoking? I know I can have 3 hits and be nice. I think I get more smoke sitting in traffic.

[dawncayden]

I prefer to be drug free while in labour.

[PicklinQueen]

"KRIKET: there is a really good (and really long) pot in pregnancy thread around here somewhere. I've also smoked during PGcy its the only way I could keep dinner down some days. Mind you, I have 1/2 a bowl once-twice a week."

ooo. thanks !! gotta check that one out. mayeb the search will dig it up.

Originally Posted by thixle

I'd love to see the studies!!! I have read something similar before.

PicklinQueen- I have never seen a baby/child "act high" or lethargic or anything else from the mother smoking. And I've seen several mother/baby pairs that have just smoked. One of them has a chronic illness that she could get a medical mj card for if she lived in another state and on some days, her mj consumption was quite high *ahem* Her preschooler can read and write and has excellent motor skills (rivaling a 6 year old on all the charts). Another has a 9 month old that is the picture of health and alertness and is beginning to walk already. If anything, the LOs I know whose mothers smoke are more "advanced" and "well-behaved" because their mommies are less stressed/depressed/sleep deprived/in pain and can take care of their children better with the occasional (and sometimes daily) use of mj for medicinal purposes... and about half of those I know that smoke also breastfeed.

good to know: thanks for the info! I'm still pretty mitigated: thinking that after January will cut out the MJ till kiddo's born (due in april/march), and maybe not partake till month 3 or 4. I am planning a hospital birth, that's very naturopathic friendly , but maybe not to that extreme? I looked up MAINE on the childservices website but still couldnt get a sense of what consequences legally there may be, so figure I should play it safe. I do NOT want kiddo taken away from us.
Then again, just had humongo blowout with my mom, and called a fellow f(r)iend in desperation and rage, figuring that the rage hormones coursing through my body are way more toxic than a drag or two off MJ. So who knows. As far as BF goes, I generally do not smoke till intoxicated, sleepy or dumb, so am not worried about "passing out" and rolling on baby, or dropping said child etc.
will continue own research, and pass anything valuable on here!

also, Mama2xane, thanks for the link!!!!

[dziwozony]

i don't have time to read all the responses right now, but just wanted to chime in that i've had phases of moderate pot smoking throughout my life & have used it medicinally for an upset tummy or headaches or similar such tings. BUT, i used to get really severe period cramps & actually found that it did not help with that at all. in fact, i found myself focusing on the pain more. for me, it was not good for that kind of pain at all. although in california i believe you can get a medial marijuana card for that specific complaint, so it must work for some women...

[Chronic Chrissy]

Originally Posted by ainh

Actually, I believe it's a little more complicated than propaganda.

I have a close friend who has her PhD in neuroscience and she did her dissertation on the effects of drugs (mostly anti-depressants) on pregnant women and fetuses ... and then the resulting babies.

It turns out that what passes on to the baby is highly dependent on the mother's genetics and how much the placenta "passes" or "pushes". This is why some women can drink a lot with no effect on the baby and others can consume a small amount and end up having a baby with FAS. She said that there are blood tests that indicate whether you're a "passer" or a "pusher", but that they don't know the full story yet.

The problem with this information that they gathered is that what is "okay" for one mom-baby pair isn't necessarily "okay" for another mom-baby pair. Sucks, eh?

I'm guessing that some women pass more or less of the components of THC too, depending on their genetics. Sadly it's not such an easy answer, eh?

I've been reading about placental push, but my point it that the THC reacts in the mothers body too quickly and by the time it were to reach the placenta or the baby the THC will have been long ago reacted and completely harmless. TCH volitizes very quickly especially in a warm enviroment like our bodies, that's why it must be stored in a cool dark place and cooked proberly. If you are of in your heat or your time in your cooking the result could be dude goodies, and I'm talking 5 degrees or 2 minutes off can volitize the TCH to react and escape into the air nutralized. So no you can't gett your whole house high by cooking and the vapors because the heat and duration distroy it.

Also Herbal antidepressants are react very differently that natural ones, so they can't be lumped in the same group.

[Chronic Chrissy]

Originally Posted by liss_420

i will say that smoking anything can decrease oxygen to the placenta,

I'm not attacking you in anyway

I just wanted to point out that holding your breath during the scary part of a movie, or swimming and playing in the lake or pool also causes oxygen deprivation, or holding your breath as you pass behind a gas guzzler in the parking lot. I think people have this vision of smokers holding their breaths as long as they can to get the full effects of the smoke, this just isn't always true. But according to this theory I guess we should all stay away from bon fires (a nightly occurance here during the summer0 just incase the wind changes direction. Oh and I shouldn't use my wood stove that backs into the house when the wind blows a certain way some times, instead I should spend $ on baseboards and fill my house with electro feilds.

For smoking a pack a day I believe this argument is valid but not for a few joints a day or at the end of a healthy pregnancy.