Substance use is a part of many people’s lives. It can be recreational or medicinal, something that helps with stress or gives pleasure, or be a challenge that creates problems in our lives. Many people make changes to their substance use during pregnancy or when expecting a child. Some stop using substances altogether while others use less or change when or how they use substances. After becoming a parent, some people continue with these changes while others re-visit their substance use.
The decision to breastfeed, use formula, or both, is very personal. This resource is to help you make important decisions about your substance use, your body, and the overall well-being of you and your baby. You can use this resource to start conversations with partners, friends, family, health care providers and other supportive people in your life so that you can make choices that are right for you, your baby, and your family.
Many people make changes to their substance use when expecting a child. Some stop using substances altogether while others use less or change when or how they use substances. After
becoming a parent, some people continue with these changes while others resume their substance use.Cannabis use is one factor that many consider when making decisions about breastfeeding. It may influence how long someone chooses to breastfeed exclusively, whether they choose to combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, whether they pump or express milk on occasion or regularly, or if they breastfeed at all.
This harm reduction resource is for health care and social service providers who work with families during pregnancy and postpartum.