Breastfeeding & Smoking? Has anyone done research on this?

[Belinda4]

Does anyone know how this affects the baby? If the mom is a smoker and is nursing the baby? I assume the baby is getting the nicotine? Wouldn't you think? I need to google this, but was just curious if anyone had any info?? Is it better to breastfeed while smoking or should the mom switch to formula? Any thoughts?

[momyshaver]

Does anyone know how this affects the baby? If the mom is a smoker and is nursing the baby? I assume the baby is getting the nicotine? Wouldn't you think? I need to google this, but was just curious if anyone had any info?? Is it better to breastfeed while smoking or should the mom switch to formula? Any thoughts?

The healh benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the negatives of smoking and formula feeding. According to LLL

"In Conclusion
Breastfed babies of mothers who smoke cigarettes have fewer respiratory infections than formula-fed babies of mothers who smoke.
Breastfeeding mothers who smoke should smoke as few cigarettes as possible each day.
Mothers who smoke should smoke away from the baby, outdoors, or in a separate, well-ventilated area to reduce amount of second-hand smoke and particulate matter the baby is exposed to.
Mothers who smoke should do so after feedings to allow time for the level of nicotine in the milk to decrease before the next feeding.
Mothers who smoke and breastfeed may discuss iodine and other vitamin and mineral supplementation with their health care provider.
Smoking may reduce the protection against SIDS that breastfeeding offers.
If a mother who is breastfeeding uses nicotine replacement products, she should not smoke any cigarettes while using the products.
Mothers who want to quit smoking should seek support to do so.
Smoking is often an anxiety-related activity. Encourage the mother to find other ways to reduce stress"



http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep04p75.html

(good, but lengthy article!)

[lehatfield]

That's kinda neat to know. I had never reallt thought about it since I'm not a smoker but those are neat little facts to know if it ever comes up!

[KatieMac]

Go MomyShaver! She always has the facts!

[Belinda4]

Thank You Momyshaver!!! (Nice to see you back on the boards too :D )

[KatieG12345]

i just want to say I HATE SMOKING!!!!! i pray for the day that it becomes illegal!!!!!