Cannabis, Pregnancy, & Postpartum
With adult use legalized in several states, and medical use in many more, some people mistakenly believe that cannabis is safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, natural does not always equal safe.
References:
- Chang, J. C., Tarr, J. A., Holland, C. L., De Genna, N. M., Richardson, G. A., Rodriguez, K. L., Sheeder, J., Kraemer, K. L., Day, N. L., Rubio, D., Jarlenski, M., & Arnold, R. M. (2019). Beliefs and attitudes regarding prenatal marijuana use: Perspectives of pregnant women who report use. Drug and alcohol dependence, 196, 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.028
- Crume, T. L., Juhl, A. L., Brooks-Russell, A., Hall, K. E., Wymore, E., & Borgelt, L. M. (2018). Cannabis Use During the Perinatal Period in a State With Legalized Recreational and Medical Marijuana: The Association Between Maternal Characteristics, Breastfeeding Patterns, and Neonatal Outcomes. The Journal of pediatrics, 197, 90–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.02.005
- Gunn JKL, Rosales CB, Center KE, et al. Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2016;6:e009986. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015- 009986
- Koren G, Cohen R. Medicinal Use of Cannabis in Children and Pregnant Women. Rambam Maimonides Med J2020;11 (1):e0005. Review. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10382
- Sharapova, S. R., Phillips, E., Sirocco, K., Kaminski, J. W., Leeb, R. T., & Rolle, I. (2018). Effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on neuropsychological outcomes in children aged 1-11 years: A systematic review. Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology,32(6), 512–532. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppe.12505
- Skelton, K. R., Benjamin-Neelon, S. E., & Young-Wolff, K. C. (2020). Management of Cannabis Use in Breastfeeding Women: The Untapped Potential of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 15(2), 117–120. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2019.0272
Author, activist, international speaker, multi-preneur, mentor, wife, and mom, Ariana Ayu is a Transformational Mystic and a Catalyst for Conscious Change.
She is the creator and lead educator for the CannyNurse™ Certificate Program, a 50-hour CEU program for nurses from LPNs through doctoral degrees, and the first comprehensive cannabis nurse training program designed for working nurses. An ordained priestess, holistic healer, and lifelong student of ancient/ modern wisdom, Ariana’s nursing background includes pediatrics, labor & delivery, nurse education, and Holistic Health/ Integrative Nurse Coaching.
She earned her MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland (UK), and her Cannabis Nursing Certification from Pacific College of Health and Science.
She is passionate about racial justice, social equity, environmental preservation and conservation, and empowered health, wellness, and joy for all. Her practice is governed by the ethical principles of integrity, nonjudgment, empowerment, and respect for her clients’ autonomy.