I’ve tried to quit smoking, but I haven’t been able to completely stop. Should I still breastfeed?
Great job cutting back on smoking! This is not an easy task, and you should be proud of yourself.
As you know, nicotine and other harmful chemicals are found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes/vapes. Secondhand smoke exposure is a health risk for babies, no matter how they are fed. However, the many benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of nicotine exposure through breast milk. We encourage you to breastfeed!
Ways to protect your baby:
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Smoke right after a breastfeeding session. This way, the maximum amount of time can pass before the next breastfeeding session, allowing nicotine levels to decrease in breast milk.
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Avoid smoking in the car.
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Make sure to smoke outside.
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Minimize baby’s exposure to thirdhand smoke by pulling your hair back and putting on a jacket before smoking. Take off the jacket or change clothes and wash your hands and face after smoking and before touching your baby.
Nicotine has been shown to decrease milk supply. Make sure to feed on demand, and watch for signs baby is getting enough to eat.
Let your peer counselor know if you would like our breastfeeding specialist (IBCLC) and nurse to provide more information or to answer questions about smoking and breastfeeding.
SOURCE:
Additional Resource:
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/breastfeeding-and-alcohol-drugs-and-smoking