Should I use CBD Oil While Breastfeeding?

CBD oil has gained popularity in just a short time. Scientists, doctors, and researchers are continually finding new ways that CBD oil helps our bodies. Not only does it help combat pain, but it is showing signs of reducing the growth of cancer. With all the benefits you can get from CBD oil, many people are concerned about whether it is ok to take CBD oil and breastfeed.

What is CBD Oil

CBD oil is one out of hundreds of cannabinoids that comes from a cannabis plant. We naturally produce cannabinoids in our own bodies. In fact, we have 2 receptors in our bodies for cannabinoids throughout the body. They are found mostly in our brain. CBD oil can help with the body regulate anxiety, depression, nausea, cancer, and various other ailments that are still being studied to this day.

Related: What is CBD Oil

What’s the Big Deal?

There are huge controversies on the use of CBD oil. CBD has a huge stigma because many people think it is marijuana since it is made from the marijuana plant. However, CBD does not contain the component THC which is the compound in marijuana that gets you “high.”

Related: What is the Difference Between CBD and THC

With this stigma, comes an even bigger stigma….Is CBD oil safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding? As new parents, we want only what is best for our children, so many parents believe a parent who uses CBD while breastfeeding is setting her child up for failure. However, there are groups of parents that believe using CBD while breastfeeding does no harm to their child.

The truth is, if you choose to use a medication or herbal supplement while breastfeeding, it is important to discuss it with your doctor, first! There are many medications that a doctor will weigh the pros and cons to determine the safest route for you and baby. CBD oil is no different in this perspective.

The biggest issue around taking CBD oil while breastfeeding is the fact that little research has been done. Scientists are not sure how the CBD oil will affect the breastfeeding baby.

What We Do Know

Although it has not been tested in depth the outcome of using CBD oil while breastfeeding, we do know that breast milk naturally contains cannabinoids without the mother ever taking CBD or THC. In fact, research has found that some of the same cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant are crucial to the development.

• They teach a new baby how to eat. Without specific cannabinoids, babies would not know how to suckle or eat, and they would not have a desire to.
• Women who smoked cannabis have been studied. Babies are more social, engaged, and make contact quicker when a mother has smoked cannabis while pregnant.
• Babies are calmer after feeding on the breast. It is believed that babies are more relaxed after feeding on the breast because of the cannabinoids found in breast milk.
• There is no evidence that CBD or THC is in breast milk naturally. However, evidence does know we pass cannabinoids through breast milk to the baby naturally.

Why Do New Moms Need CBD Oil?

Being a new mom isn’t always roses and sunshine. Movies, commercials, and outside influence shape a world that perceives women into believing having a baby makes you feel complete. Although this may be true for some women, it isn’t true for all women. There are a lot of emotions, physical changes, and hormonal changes that go into a woman’s body before, during and after the pregnancy. One of the biggest reasons new moms are looking into CBD oil is because of a life-threatening condition called Postpartum Depression (PPD).

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression is a severe mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. In fact, research has estimated that nearly 15% of all mothers experience PPD. Because of the stigma surrounding PPD, many mothers may go without reporting it. The severe bouts of anxiety, depression, and exhaustion take over a mother to the point that she can no longer take care of herself or her child the way she needs to.

What Causes a Postpartum Depression?

There isn’t just one thing that causes Postpartum Depression. It does not happen because of something the mother does or doesn’t do. As stated above, childbirth has huge effects on a woman’s body, hormones, and emotions. After a woman has a child, her hormone levels drastically drop. When hormones such as estrogen and progesterone drop quickly, this leads to chemical changes in the brain. The chemical changes in the brain coupled with lack of sleep and rest to recover lead to Postpartum Depression.

What Are Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

If you or someone you know is displaying any of the following symptoms, it is best to talk with a doctor as soon as possible! Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include:

• Extreme sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
• Feeling overwhelmed continuously.
• Crying for no reason.
• Feelings of anxiousness or extreme worry.
• Excessive restlessness.
• Oversleeping, or unable to sleep when the baby sleeps.
• Lack of concentration.
• Unable to remember details.
• Inability to make decisions.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Experiencing bouts of anger or rage.
• Frequent headaches.
• Stomach problems.
• Muscle pains.
• Having trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment to the baby.
• Doubting ability to take care of the baby.
• Thoughts of harming herself or the baby.

How Can CBD Oil Help with Postpartum Depression?

When it comes to Postpartum Depression, CBD Oil has been effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other ailments.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if you are struggling with PPD, you may also be struggling with breastfeeding in and of itself. Your condition could become so severe that it could result in harm to you or your baby.

Although there isn’t enough information to determine if CBD oil is ok in breastmilk, research does know it is far better than THC, opiates, and some other prescription medications that are prescribed for PPD.

CBD helps you battle depression and anxiety by allowing your brain to create more GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that blocks the symptoms of PPD. The more GABA you have, the less you will feel anxious and depressed. It increases serotonin levels and helps a woman feel like she can handle life again.

If you have Postpartum Depression or are thinking about using CBD oil, while breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor, first. If you have talked with your doctor, head on over to our shop to start combatting PPD, today!