It is not safe to vape while breastfeeding. Even though you can vape and breastfeed. Remember e-cigarettes contain nicotine a harmful component to babies.

Vaping exposes newborns to potential growth problems like development of the skull and face. No mother want this to happen to their child. Therefore, for new mothers asking can I vape while breastfeeding.

This blog is for you. Today we are going to discuss in detail about if it is safe to vape while breastfeeding.

Remember that vapes contain not only nicotine but other chemical that can affect mothers who are breastfeeding.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the use electronic cigarettes to ingest nicotine through inhalation. These e-cigarettes are powered by batteries, have coils, and a vape liquid. The user draws puffs from the vape device which is produced in terms of vapor.

The vape liquid contains nicotine, chemicals, and flavors that make the vapor smooth. Vaping is a simulation of smoking. Many people are quitting smoking in preference of vaping. According to experts vaping is safe than smoking.

Difference Between Vaping and Smoking

Although they involve inhaling nicotine, vaping and smoking are different. Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette which has a vape juice. The vape device has a coil which burns the e-liquid into vapor which a vaper inhales.

While smoking is the use of cigarettes to ingest nicotine. Cigarettes work by lighting it using a matchstick.

Smoking has a tar which is a black component that blackens the lungs. However, vaping doesn’t contain tar hence it doesn’t turn the lungs black.

The amount of nicotine in cigarettes is high compared to that in vape pens. Additionally, you can control how you vape unlike smoking which you must finish the lit cigarette.

Why is Vaping Dangerous to Breastfeeding Mothers

As a mother the breast milk a child’s food for the first six months. It should contain all nutrients and be free from toxins.

Prescence of toxins will harm the baby and hinder proper development of vital body organs. This can lead to health complication which can be avoided.

When a mother vapes, they expose the infant to toxic chemical which are harmful to the baby. Therefore, don’t risk vaping while breasting.

Related Health Problems to a Newborn Due to the Mother Vaping

There are several health complications that arise when a mother who is breastfeeding vapes.

These health complications include;

Skull and Brain Development

Brain development takes 6 years while skull development takes 16 years. However, when a child is exposed to vaping. It distorts the development of the skull and brain. This slows the growth of this integral body part. Hence making it a challenge for the child to have a normal growth.

Interference with brain development affects other body organs and can lead to immobility. So, it to prevent all these from happening don’t vape and breastfeed your baby.

Lung Complications

The nicotine and chemical in vapes lead to the infant’s lungs complications. Normal function of the lungs will be altered and the child will have a challenge breathing. Eventually developing respiratory diseases.

Respiratory Diseases

Pneumonia and bronchitis are some of the respiratory diseases that a child may develop. These two diseases are life threatening. Therefore, it is good if you don’t expose your child to vapes directly or indirectly. This is to avoid this complications and spending money treating infections that you can prevent as a mother.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is linked with bad sleeping posture of a child. But another cause of sudden infant death syndrome is intake of nicotine through breastmilk. Ensure that you feed the child with breastmilk that doesn’t contain toxins which can harm them. Therefore, exposure to nicotine can lead to SIDS.

Ear Infections

Another health problem associated with breastfeeding mothers who vape is ear infections. Most children develop sudden ear problems which can lead permanent hearing problems. The chemical present in vapes is toxic to babies and may affect their hearing.

Sleeping Problems

Nicotine is a stimulant. This means when a child is exposed to this chemical it will disrupt their normal sleeping pattern. As a mother as you vape and discover your child is having sleep problems then it is due to the nicotine intake.

Is Vaping Safe than Smoking While Breastfeeding?

As much as vaping contain low amount of nicotine that smoking. It is not safe to vape while breastfeeding.

This is dangerous to both the mother and the child. The mother can respiratory conditions which can make her unable to feed the newborn baby.

As for the baby, they will have development challenges. Some main body organs like the brain can be slow in development. Moreover, the lungs can have some issues leading to breathing problems.

Whether it is vaping or smoking it is not safe while breastfeeding as it is dangerous to the baby.

Furthermore, some mothers ask, ‘can I vape while breastfeeding a child who is more than six months?’ This is not recommended as you need to breastfeed a child till, they can start eating food.

Although most mothers stop breastfeeding infants at six months. Don’t try vaping while feeding breastmilk to a child who is six months and above. Remember that the baby is not fully developed. Therefore, you can hinder the baby’s growth.

Should I Stop Breasting if I Vape?

The amount of nicotine in breastmilk after vaping is not known. Therefore, to avoid any problems to the child. It is best if you stop breastfeeding if you vape.

As per health organizations like the NHS and CDC the vapes have a varied impact in the baby’s development.

However, if the mother is vaping, they should not stop breastfeeding the child. This is because breastmilk has vital nutrients for an infant’s growth.

Furthermore, CDC encourages mother with newborns to desist from vaping as the nicotine is not ideal for the child.

Does Nicotine Disappear from the Breastmilk After Vaping?

According to unsubstantiated statements, nicotine in breastmilk does disappear after 3-4 hours. But is this true? I doubt as there must be traces of nicotine present in the breastmilk.

So, in no way does nicotine fully disappear from the breastmilk after vaping. That will be a misconception to breastfeeding mothers.

Note: Reports indicate that the nicotine content is high 30 minutes after a mother vapes,

Is it Safe to Pump Breastmilk Before Vaping?

Mothers who vape it is ideal if you pump the breastmilk before vaping. This will reduce the chance of the child ingesting milk that has high amounts of nicotine.

The reason for this is because reports indicate that nicotine amount is high a half an hour after vaping and is relatively high for 3-4 hours.

Therefore, to avoid the child from consuming breastmilk with lots of nicotine. It will be suitable for you to always pump the milk before vaping.

Effects of Vaping in Breastmilk Supply

Vaping has effect on the breastmilk supply. In most cases the breastmilk supply reduces causing the child not to lactate as required. This is bad for the growth of the child as they miss important nutrients.

Are there Benefits of Vaping While Breastfeeding?

Although not substantiated, some breastfeeding mothers’ benefit from vaping. Some advantages of vaping to lactating women include;

• Increased breastmilk production
• Better sleep
• Anxiety and stress reduction

These three benefits are testimonials by some breasting mothers. Therefore, vaping won’t have the same benefits to all women. It depends in some women it can have grievous effects.

How to Quit Vaping While Breastfeeding?

Quitting vaping is not an easy. It requires zeal to stop. This is because nicotine is a stimulant and is addictive. Lack of this chemical can make one sick.

Moreso if they were addicted to vaping. However, as a breastfeeding mother you can stop vaping but will take time.

Reduce Vaping Frequency: Start by reducing the frequency of vaping. Suppose you were drawing 30 puffs a day; you can reduce by 10. This will help in quitting vaping.

Using Smaller Vape Devices: Suppose you use sub-ohm tanks which is a high-capacity vaping device. It is ideal to start using a smaller disposable vape. This will help you stop vaping.

When you implement these two methods be sure to quit vaping in a short time. This will prevent you from harming your baby.

FAQs About Can I Vape While Breastfeeding

Can I Vape with No Nicotine While Breastfeeding?

No, this is because manufacturers indicate that some vape devices do not contain nicotine. But that is false. A Study shows that nicotine-free vapes contain nicotine. Therefore, it is not ideal to vape with no nicotine while breastfeeding.

Can I Vape CBD While Breastfeeding?

CBD is not good for breastfeeding mothers. This is because it contains chemical that hinder brain development of a child. Additionally, CBD stays in the breastmilk for 6 days. There do not try vaping cannabidiol while breastfeeding.

Can I Continue Breastfeeding After Quitting Vaping?

Yes, continue breasting the baby. Breastmilk is important in the growth of the child. Whether you vape or have quit ensure that you breastfeed the baby.