Marijuana and Breastfeeding: A Pilot Survey of Mothers

OBJECTIVE: To describe maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to marijuana use and breastfeeding, and determine their association with knowledge about potential harmful effects of marijauna use while breastfeeding. METHODS: Cross-sectional study design, using a 48-item survey, including previously validated questions, of postpartum mothers at a single urban, academic hospital from 2018 to 2019. Mothers $ 18 years with a newborn $ 35 weeks’ gestation were eligible. Descriptive statistics were tabulated, and associations were tested by using v² analysis. RESULTS: Of 46 participants, 57% reported marijuana use, and 13% use within the past 12 months. The large majority (87%) knew that use while breastfeeding may be harmful to the infant, whereas just 46% knew that marijuana or THC is found in breast milk. Only 35% received prenatal and 30% postnatal counseling on the risks of marijuana use while breastfeeding. Those aware compared to those unaware that marijuana use during pregnancy may cause learning and behavior problems were more likely to know that use while breastfeeding may be harmful to the infant (75% vs. 25%, P = .03). Those reporting prenatal HCP discussion about the risks of marijuana use while breastfeeding compared to those without such counseling were more likely to know that marijuana/ or HC is found in breast milk (69% vs. 33%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mothers were aware that marijuana use while breastfeeding may be harmful to the infant, but a minority received counseling about the risks of marijuana use while breastfeeding.