Tips for Breastfeeding and Cigarette Smoking

Because nicotine and other by-products of smoking are passed into breast milk, nursing women are strongly encouraged to quit smoking. While it is obvious that quitting is best, many women find that they are unable to quit, and the risks of smoking while breastfeeding are still much lower than the risks associated with formula-feeding.

If you are breastfeeding your baby and you smoke, these tips may help to minimize the damage to both your body and your baby's health. Discuss these possibilities with both your physician and your child's pediatrician.

Cut Back.

The damage to your baby from ten cigarettes would obviously be lower than the damage from twenty cigarettes. The fewer cigarettes you smoke, the less exposure your baby will have to the harmful toxins in tobacco. If you are unable to quit cold-turkey, cutting back as much as you can will minimize the damage. Reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke will also make quitting easier.

Take it Outside.

Most pediatricians agree that the risks of smoking while breastfeeding are associated more strongly with secondhand smoke exposure than by toxins in breastmilk. Although the nicotine in your breastmilk is a problem, it is not nearly as much of a risk to your baby as inhaled secondhand smoke. Because of this, it is best that you go outside whenever you have a cigarette. Do not smoke in the same room as your baby, and never smoke while holding or nursing him.

Take Antioxidant Supplements.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, rutin, and coenzyme Q-10 are all believed to minimize, but not eliminate, the negative health effects of cigarette smoke exposure. In addition to your standard multivitamin and omega-3 supplement, talk to your doctor about taking antioxidants. By passing into your breastmilk, they may give your baby additional protection against the effects of nicotine and secondhand smoke.

Wait Before Breastfeeding.

Ninety-five minutes after smoking, more than half of the nicotine in your body has been eliminated.It is best to wait at least ninety minutes before breastfeeding after smoking. To time it properly, try to smoke only immediately after nursing, and wait to smoke if your baby might be hungry soon. If you mis-time your cigarette break and your baby is hungry shortly after you smoke, try to entertain or sooth him in a different way for as long as possible.

Wash your Hands and Mouth.

Your baby will inhale some secondhand cigarette smoke if there are traces of it on your clothes, hands, mouth, and nose. To minimize his exposure, wash your hands thoroughly, mouthwash, and possibly even consider changing your clothes after smoking. Some mothers may even choose to have a single cigarette per day just before their daily shower. Anything you can do to remove smoke traces from your body can further protect your baby.

These tips may help to protect your baby from some of the effects of smoking while breastfeeding, but they will not eliminate the risks, and quitting smoking is the best choice. Unless you are an extremely heavy smoker, most pediatricians agree that should continue to breastfeed in spite of your habit. Talk to your child's pediatrician about taking these steps to protect your family.