Survey of new mothers finds most know marijuana while breastfeeding may be harmful, but few receive counseling | Research

The takeaway

Among 46 postpartum mothers, 87% knew marijuana use while breastfeeding may harm the infant, but only 46% knew THC is found in breast milk, and fewer than a third received postnatal counseling about the risks.

Obstetricians, pediatricians, lactation consultants, and new parents.

87% knew of risk but only 46% knew THC is in breast milk

What the researchers found

57% of mothers reported ever using marijuana and 13% used within the past year. 87% knew breastfeeding while using marijuana may be harmful, but only 46% knew THC is found in breast milk. Only 35% received prenatal and 30% postnatal counseling on risks. Mothers who received prenatal counseling were more likely to know THC appears in breast milk (69% vs. 33%, p=0.02).

Why it matters

With marijuana use common among women of childbearing age, the gap between general awareness of harm and specific knowledge (like THC in breast milk) represents a missed opportunity for healthcare provider counseling.

The numbers in context

46 mothers; 57% ever used marijuana; 87% knew breastfeeding risk; 46% knew THC in breast milk; 35% received prenatal counseling; 30% postnatal counseling.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 46 postpartum mothers (≥18 years, newborn ≥35 weeks) at a single urban academic hospital, 2018-2019.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (n=46). Single hospital. Self-report subject to social desirability. No outcome data linking cannabis use to infant health. Survey-based, not clinical assessment.

How to read the evidence

Very small pilot survey from a single center.

When this study was published

Published in 2022 with 2018-2019 data.

The bigger picture

The finding that counseling significantly improved knowledge suggests a simple intervention: asking about marijuana use and providing specific information about THC in breast milk should be standard postpartum practice.

Questions still open

Would standardized counseling protocols close the knowledge gap? How much THC exposure through breast milk is clinically significant? Do mothers who know the risks change their behavior?

Common questions

Does THC get into breast milk?

Yes. While 87% of mothers in this study knew marijuana while breastfeeding could be harmful, only 46% knew that THC is actually found in breast milk, highlighting a specific knowledge gap.

Do doctors counsel about marijuana and breastfeeding?

Not often enough. Only 35% of mothers received prenatal counseling and 30% postnatal counseling about the risks. Those who were counseled had significantly better knowledge about THC in breast milk.

Read the original research

Marijuana and Breastfeeding: A Pilot Survey of Mothers.

Hospital pediatrics, 12(7), e255-e260

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Crowley, Hannah R; Goyal, Neera K; Chung, Esther K. (2022). Marijuana and Breastfeeding: A Pilot Survey of Mothers.. Hospital pediatrics, 12(7), e255-e260. https://doi.org/10.1542/hpeds.2021-006420