Everyone knows that tobacco causes serious damage to the physical condition of women and their children. And the worst thing in this situation is the fact that the baby is exposed to the harmful effects of toxic substances, which, unlike his mother, receives them unknowingly.
Relevance of the problem
One of the important topics for doctors and patients who are in the period of lactation is considered the issue of smoking during breastfeeding. Most women know what harm a child can do if they use tobacco at this stage in their lives.
However, modern research has shown that switching to artificial nutrition is less beneficial than mother’s milk, even if it is addicted to nicotine. The fact is that there are girls who are not able to part with addictions even during pregnancy.
As a result, children are born with a lack of weight. They have impaired activity of various organs. Breast milk feeding in this case is able to fill the deficit of necessary substances. However, is it so useful, as some experts believe?
Why does a young mother use tobacco?
Today, many studies focus on the topic of smoking while breastfeeding. Reviews of experts indicate that milk is a source of substances that have a beneficial effect on the child. However, the presence of nicotine in this product makes it dangerous for the body. Why, then, young mothers, knowing about the possible risks, can not abandon this dependence?
Childbirth is an event that has a significant impact on the future life of a girl. The kid requires a lot of time, attention, care and strength. Often, the mother is unable to eat and relax normally, because the whole day is scheduled in minutes. A woman often does not get enough sleep, is worried about the condition of the newborn, and is very tired. Many develop depression against the background of fatigue and tension.
Even the mother who stopped using tobacco when she found out about conception, can return to addiction after childbirth. Smoking while breastfeeding is explained by the girl’s attempt to cope with stress.
False statements
Some women begin to doubt that tobacco use can adversely affect the baby's condition. The reason for this trend is that there is a lot of myth about this. According to similar claims, the effects of nicotine can be reduced, but this is not true.
Common myths about smoking during lactation include the following:
- Breast milk reduces the negative effects of harmful compounds produced in the body due to tobacco. In fact, nicotine can change not only the composition, but also the taste of this product. No wonder nursing mothers are not recommended to drink alcohol, spicy foods and vegetables with a pungent, strong smell.
- The substances formed as a result of smoking are processed in the mother’s body and do not enter the baby’s body. This statement is false. Nicotine has the same effect on a child as on an adult - it contributes to the expansion of blood vessels, leads to disorders in the work of the respiratory system, heart muscle. Infants fall asleep badly, refuse to eat, cry, have poor health.
- Milk of smoking mother does not have special properties that the child would not like. This is also not true. Under the influence of nicotine, this product acquires not only a different taste, but also a pungent smell. These properties contribute to a decrease in appetite in the newborn.
Smoking and the amount of milk
Continuing to talk about the effect of smoking on breastfeeding, it should be noted that many women who use tobacco face a problem such as insufficient milk. Nicotine is able to reduce the blood level of a substance necessary for lactation.
If the young mother does not reduce the number of cigarettes in the first days after the birth of the baby, she will likely have to transfer the child to artificial nutrition. In most cases, women who smoke are able to breastfeed for no more than six months.
How does tobacco use affect milk?
Many young mothers are interested in how long it is possible to feed a child after smoking cigarettes. Experts argue that lactation should be carried out only after forty-eight hours. Then the milk becomes completely safe. This product is considered partially harmless if 90 minutes have passed since the use of nicotine. However, it’s not worth the risk. Knowing about such phenomena, we can confidently conclude about the dangers of smoking during breastfeeding. Therefore, having an idea of the problems that threaten the health of the newborn, mothers often interrupt lactation.
However, the transition from natural nutrition to mixtures is not an appropriate solution to the problem.
Smoking and breastfeeding: consequences for the baby
Toxic compounds found in tobacco products enter the woman’s bloodstream after a few minutes. Then they penetrate into milk, and a little later - into the body of a newborn. What effect do these substances have on the baby? Among the possible problems with development and physical condition are the following:
- Diseases of the heart muscle associated with rhythm disturbance, as well as the ability of this organ to contract.
- A high probability of sudden death.
- Problems with the activity of the stomach and intestines. The toxic compounds found in cigarettes can cause stomach cramps and nausea.
- The development of poisoning. They occur against the background of frequent smoking during breastfeeding. The consequence of intoxication for a baby is a deterioration in well-being, requiring emergency medical attention.
- Lack of body weight. This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in the amount of milk in women who are addicted to nicotine. It is also explained by digestive problems that occur in such cases in a child (loss of appetite, vomiting).
- Inadequate intake of nutrients in the baby’s body. As a result of tobacco use, many beneficial compounds that penetrate food into the mother’s body are not absorbed sufficiently.
- The occurrence of pathologies of the respiratory tract. Children suffer from pneumonia, colds.
The impact of nicotine on the further growth and development of the baby
Many young mothers reassure themselves that the lactation period is not long, and therefore the harm of smoking during breastfeeding will be temporary. This belief is erroneous, since the consequences of tobacco use have a significant impact on the child in subsequent years of life. In such cases, babies often show nervousness, anxiety, and are characterized by impulsive behavior. Children whose mothers did not part with this habit during lactation have memory problems and difficulties in mastering skills.
In addition, the body's defenses in these boys and girls do not work well, so they are prone to colds, flu. Another disease that is often diagnosed in such cases is allergy. In addition, children whose mothers smoked are prone to tobacco dependence.
Should I use substitutes?
Doctors say that this addiction can damage the well-being and development of the baby. About smoking during breastfeeding and the consequences, doctors' opinions are only negative. Therefore, the best option for a mother who uses tobacco products is to give up this habit.
However, not all women can do this. Unfortunately, many women, following the recommendations that they read on the forums, or the advice of friends, buy various types of products that are substitutes for cigarettes. Such products are often advertised. However, products of this kind almost do not differ from usual ones in the dose of nicotine that smokers receive.
In addition, these products are even more addictive. With each puff of an electronic device, a woman receives an increasing amount of hazardous substances. Smoking while breastfeeding can lead to the development of intoxication in the mother and baby.
How to reduce harm if you can’t give up addiction?
In some cases, it can be difficult for a girl to stop using tobacco products. Knowing that the answer to the question of whether smoking affects breastfeeding is affirmative, you need to remember these rules:
- Given that the harmful substances contained in cigarettes are excreted after 60 minutes, do not give the baby a breast during this time.
- Do not use this product in the presence of a baby.
- Reduce the number of products containing nicotine. The acceptable norm is five cigarettes per day.
- Do not smoke at night.
- Provide the body with enough fluid (up to two liters per day).
- Adhere to proper nutrition (a diet that includes fish, vegetables and fruits, yogurt, cottage cheese).
- To use vitamin complexes (in consultation with a doctor).
- Smoke only after lactation.