There is an ongoing debate regarding whether it is safe to take CBD while pregnant, and that discussion extends to CBD and breastfeeding as well.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially states that you shouldn’t, since CBD might harm the infant. However, there is a growing number of people vocally challenging that claim. For decades, CBD and other cannabinoids were unfairly maligned, but the tide of public opinion is beginning to turn as more research is being done.
As formal studies into cannabis progress, researchers are discovering how beneficial CBD and other cannabinoids can be. They’re also finding that the risks associated with cannabinoids, especially non-psychoactive cannabinoids, are fewer and farther between than formerly believed.
This has led people to begin questioning the FDA’s guidelines, but there isn’t much hard evidence either way. Research into CBD and breastfeeding is difficult to carry out; the expenses, unknown factors, risks, and lack of participants are just a few hurdles.
Pregnant and nursing women are scrutinized for everything, from their medications to their eating habits. To make matters worse, CBD is still demonized in many circles, making it challenge to find mothers who are willing, available, and currently nursing to participate in research studies.
While there isn’t much formal exploration into this specific niche, that doesn’t mean women haven’t been doing their own research. There is a growing amount of self-reported, anecdotal evidence from mothers around the world asserting that CBD is not only safe, but a great way to manage postpartum symptoms.
Before delving into the specifics of CBD and breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the basics.
What’s CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound known as a cannabinoid.
Phytocannabinoids – such as cannabidiol – produced by the Cannabis sativa plant are compatible with the human body because we’re already accustomed to breaking them down. The body naturally produces its own type of cannabinoids called endocannabinoids to regulate bodily functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite.
There are over a hundred known cannabinoids, many of which are being studied for their medicinal value. Each one is unique and has varying qualities depending on its construction. CBD has been of particular interest in recent history, paving the way for the acceptance of cannabinoids as safe, effective supplements.
For years, all cannabis compounds were unfairly lumped together, and CBD was falsely labeled as a “gateway drug”. As awareness grows, people are learning to separate CBD and other cannabinoids from THC.
Understanding THC
There is still a lot of discussion surrounding the safety and benefits of THC, but the matter is more complex due to its psychoactive effects. THC is often compared to CBD, but the two affect the body in fundamentally different ways.
Where CBD works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and peripheral nerves, THC interacts directly with the central nervous system, changing brain chemistry and inducing intoxication.
This is a concern for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, since exposure to intoxicants can delay an infant’s development. However, it’s important to understand what sets THC apart from other cannabinoids.
Contrary to popular belief, most cannabinoids are non-psychoactive and cannot get you “high”. This is a quality limited to THC and a handful of other compounds found in marijuana, not industrial hemp.
To be considered industrial hemp, a C. sativa plant must contain less than 0.3% THC. Anything over this limit is considered marijuana and subject to stricter regulations. The legality of THC depends on where you live, though there is a push to make it legal all over the world.
The Benefits of CBD
There are numerous benefits to CBD, many of which contribute to general wellness. The phytocannabinoids in CBD products can supplement the endocannabinoids that regulate bodily functions. These include your metabolism, appetite, and more.
For mothers with infants, the most notable benefits of CBD involve stress, sleep, and mood swings.
Stress
Stress and anxiety often manifest insidiously, slowly taking a toll on the body and mind. Mothers, especially first-time mothers, often find themselves becoming overwhelmed and emotional in the weeks following their delivery, even if things are going well.
There is also the matter of bodily stress. Pregnancy and childbirth cause many rapid changes to the body, and this can lead to further symptoms. Signs of stress include: Hair loss, Headaches, Indigestion and stomach trouble, Feeling overwhelmed or overburdened, Persistent worries, or recurring thoughts, Depression and disinterest in life, Muscle aches and pains, Fatigue and brain fog, and Malaise
Many people take CBD on as-needed to manage stress and anxiety, and breastfeeding mothers are no exception. For many CBD products help make it easier to cope with stressful situations, unwind after a long day, and get ready for bed.
Sleep
Sleep is the next hot topic among pregnant and nursing mothers. It’s no secret that mothers miss out on a lot of sleep, and quality rest can be hard to come by. Being woken in the night becomes the norm, and it can be difficult to squeeze in naps during the day.
Finding time to sleep uninterrupted is the first step. Falling asleep, staying asleep, and having restful sleep can be difficult in their own right.
If you still feel tired and drained when you wake up, there’s a good chance your quality of sleep was low. This can be caused by insomnia, interrupted sleep, restless dreams, and nightmares – all of which are common for mothers to experience.
CBD may be of great help to you with all of those things, encouraging your body and mind to slow down and prepare for sleep. Combined with natural sleep aids like melatonin, CBD products can help you unwind, drift off, and have more restful, fulfilling sleep. When your body and mind get the proper rest, you wake up feeling more energetic and happy.
Mood Swings
Stress, hormonal imbalances, and a newborn (even as cute and wonderful as they are) are a cocktail for emotional disturbances.
When discussing changes in mood commonly experienced by mothers, it’s important to understand that they don’t always swing between extremes. They might start the day off cheerful, but fall into a feeling of unease or sadness by afternoon. Moodiness can also manifest as over-reactions and irritability.
CBD and other cannabinoids have been known to balance mood, helping you feel more centered and calm throughout the day.
Why Do Breastfeeding Moms Want to Take CBD?
Many mothers swear that the time after giving birth is more difficult than being pregnant. No matter how smooth your delivery, childbirth can be rough physically and mentally, and it can take time to heal and begin feeling like yourself again.
Along with the changes to your body, you might experience postpartum symptoms like pain, poor sleep, and mood swings.
In the meantime, the demands of a newborn can wear you down, leaving you anxious and fatigued. This stress can not only make it difficult to engage with loved ones, but it can also affect your ability to connect with your baby.
All of these factors can contribute to deeper issues, like the “baby blues”. While CBD does not prevent postpartum depression, it has been used by some mothers to help them find relief, bounce back from low moments, and rise to the challenges that come with being a parent.
Despite the many benefits, the lack of research into CBD and breastfeeding means that it cannot be verified as safe. Because of this, many formal institutions like the FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to discourage nursing mothers from taking cannabis products, even if their warnings only apply to the use of THC.
This is when independent research is necessary. Formal studies are already confirming people’s anecdotal evidence, and much of it points towards CBD as a natural, low-risk supplement. Countless women have already come out in support of CBD, maintaining that it helped them through their pregnancy and into their postpartum recovery.
Many medications with bigger risks are prescribed to breastfeeding mothers by doctors and psychiatrists, since the benefits outweigh the potential harm. CBD should be tried by the same standards as there is very little evidence to say it’s harmful to nursing infants.
Hopefully, more research is on the way, but for now, mothers have to fill in the gaps and weigh the stated risks.
Is It Risky To Take CBD Oil While Pregnant?
When it comes to supplements and medications, the benefits must always be weighed against the risks. This goes double when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, since you’re making the decision for your child as well.
This responsibility makes people wary of anything that might effect their baby in any way, no matter how small. Doctors still argue about whether a glass of red wine or a single cigarette is harmful, and whether any amount of risk is acceptable. However, it’s important to note that CBD does not come with the same proven risks as alcohol or cigarettes. While there is little information regarding the effects of CBD on infants and children, many mothers feel comfortable extrapolating based on research involving adults.
For the first six months, your baby’s immune system relies heavily on breast milk. If you have concerns about taking CBD while breastfeeding, hold off until your baby’s immune system is strong enough to support itself, then reconsider.
If you want to minimize any risk as much as possible, one option is to consider trying the “pump and dump” method. Before taking your CBD, pump a supply of breast milk and bottle-feed your baby until it runs out. This doesn’t eliminate risk, since trace amounts of CBD can linger in your system and infiltrate your milk afterwards, but it does limit your baby’s exposure.
The decision to take CBD while breastfeeding is a personal one, and it’s up to you to weigh your options, do your own research, and talk to your doctor.
If you’re interested in taking CBD while pregnant or nursing, you should first consult with a trusted doctor or healthcare professional. If you can, try to get multiple unbiased and informed opinions.
Choosing a CBD Product
Before making any purchases, you should verify the vendor and check the labeling, potency, and spectrum of the product.
Labeling and Potency
All CBD products should be correctly labeled, and the vendor should have a product details, instructions, and ingredients readily available. The CBD should be sourced from industrial hemp, and they should be able to provide third-party verification that the product contains less than 0.3% THC.
The potency and dosage should be clearly listed, telling you how much CBD is in a single dose, and how much is in the entire package. For CBD oils, this is measured by how many milligrams (mg) of CBD are in a milliliter (mL) of oil. For gummies and other edibles, this is measured by how much CBD is in each individual serving, usually a single gummy.
Spectrum
There are three types of CBD products: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.
The “spectrum” refers to the different compounds found in cannabis, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Broad spectrum products combine CBD with select additions but generally not THC, while full-spectrum products contain everything, including a trace amount of THC.
The presence of these additional compounds creates something known as the entourage effect. This occurs when cannabis compounds interact with one another in the ECS, amplifying the overall experience. THC is considered a “finishing touch” to the entourage effect, which is why it’s included in full-spectrum products.
Many mothers lean towards CBD isolate out of caution, but broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products can provide stronger, more long-lasting results. The “trace” amount of THC found in full-spectrum CBD is only enough to round out the entourage effect, and even less of it will be broken down and passed to the baby via breast milk.
Yummy CBD Oils and Gummies
Now that you know how to identify a quality product, it’s time to introduce Yummy CBD oils and gummies.
Our catalog is constantly growing, and every product is sourced from organic, industrial hemp. To ensure quality, a third party tests every batch to guarantee THC is well within trace limits. From there, our products are listed and labeled with all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
We currently carry four products total, including:
Orange Zest CBD Oil
Our Orange Zest CBD oil is perfect for daytime use, and the measured dropper allows you to track exactly how much you’re taking. Each 30mL bottle contains 33mg of CBD per mL – about 1,000mg CBD total.
A single serving (1mL) is about 20 drops of oil. To take it, empty the dropper under your tongue and hold the oil in your mouth. Yummy CBD oils are made with your palette in mind, using coconut oil and natural sweeteners to improve the experience.
Mellow Mint CBD Oil
If you’re taking CBD to unwind and get ready for bed, the Mellow Mint oil might be perfect for you. Each bottle contains 33mg of CBD per mL, with an additional 1mg melatonin per mL. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid often taken in isolation but works really great in combination with CBD.
Reclaim Full Spectrum CBD Gummies
Our Fruity Delight gummies are designed to be taken any time of day, making them perfect for moms trying to manage stress and other postpartum symptoms. Each gummy contains 24mg CBD, and each pouch contains 30 gummies, totalling 720mg CBD.
Yummy CBD gummies are made using MCT coconut oil, cane sugar, and natural flavors. Every pouch includes a mix of flavors, including watermelon, green apple, grape, and pineapple.
Fruitful Dreams Sleep Gummies
Fruitful Dreams gummies contain the same formula as their daytime counterpart, but with an added 1mg of melatonin per gummy.
If you’re looking for fast-acting results, the sublingual oils take action faster than the gummies. As you hold the oil in your mouth, the capillaries under your tongue quickly absorb the CBD into your bloodstream.
However, if you’re looking for something more discreet and convenient, the gummies might suit you better. Just make sure to keep them out of reach of any children, especially your baby. They taste like gummy candies, making them a tempting treat.
Think you’re ready to try CBD? Check out our Buyer’s Guide for more information, or head over to the SHOP page to pick a product.