Know Your Vape

Is Vaping Unhealthy While Breastfeeding? What You Need to Know

By Know Your Vape · · Updated

Contents

Overview of vaping and breastfeeding

Nicotine from vaping passes into breast milk. The CDC encourages mothers who vape to quit, but it also says breastfeeding still has benefits and breast milk remains the recommended food even if a mother cannot quit.

Little is known about how a mother's e-cigarette use affects her baby's health. This article covers what is known, what is not, and how to lower the risks.

The information here is general. Talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant about your situation.

Is Vaping Harmful to Breastfeeding Babies?

Research on vaping during breastfeeding is limited. What is known comes mostly from studies of nicotine and tobacco.

Potential Risks of Secondhand Vape Exposure

Vape aerosol can contain harmful chemicals, and exhaled aerosol adds nicotine and fine particles to indoor air. Secondhand exposure is lower than with cigarette smoke, but babies' lungs are still developing.

For secondhand smoke, the CDC lists effects on infants such as lower respiratory illness, ear infections, and reduced lung function. It is also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicotine Transfer to Breast Milk

According to the CDC's guidance on tobacco, e-cigarettes, and breastfeeding, nicotine and other chemicals pass to the infant through breast milk.

Impact on Baby's Health and Development

The CDC states that little is known about how a mother's e-cigarette use affects the infant's health. Nicotine is known to harm the developing brain, which is why health agencies urge caution.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional about your situation.

Click here to learn more about the potential health concerns associated with vaping.

Effects of Vaping on Breastfeeding Mothers

Vaping can affect milk supply and the mother's own health.

Nicotine and Milk Supply

Smoking decreases milk supply, likely because nicotine lowers prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production. Whether vaping has the same effect has not been studied as well, but nicotine is the likely link.

Potential Impact on Lactation

Beyond milk supply, the effects of vaping on lactation are not well studied. More research is needed.

Health Risks for the Mother

Vaping is not safe. Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure in the short term, and the aerosol can contain harmful chemicals.

For mothers who smoke, switching completely to vaping reduces exposure to many toxicants. Quitting all nicotine is still the healthiest choice for mother and baby.

To learn more about the effects of vaping, visit Know Your Vape.

Safety Precautions for Vaping Mothers

If you vape while breastfeeding, these steps can lower your baby's exposure.

Minimizing Exposure to Secondhand Vape

Never vape near your baby. Keep your home and car free of smoke and vapor.

The CDC also advises changing clothes and washing hands after smoking, before holding a baby. The same habits make sense after vaping.

Reducing Nicotine Levels

Lower nicotine use means less nicotine for your body to pass on. Reducing nicotine is a step toward quitting, not a safe level.

Nicotine replacement therapy may be an option. Ask your doctor whether it suits you while breastfeeding.

Seeking Support and Resources

Healthcare providers and lactation consultants can help you plan how to cut down or quit. In the US, 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free coaching.

Do not stop breastfeeding just because you vape. Talk with your provider first.

Alternatives to Vaping While Breastfeeding

Quitting nicotine while caring for a new baby is hard. Support and proven tools improve your chances.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) comes as patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays. It delivers nicotine without the other chemicals found in vape aerosol, and it can ease cravings and withdrawal.

Talk with your healthcare provider before starting NRT while breastfeeding. They can help choose a product and dose.

Behavioral Strategies to Quit Vaping

Changing habits around vaping can help you quit.

  1. Identify triggers: notice when you reach for your vape, such as during stress or after feeds, and plan another response.
  2. Build support: tell family and friends about your goal.
  3. Find distractions: a short walk, a call, or a hobby can help a craving pass.
  4. Reward progress: mark milestones in ways you enjoy.

Support from Healthcare Professionals

A doctor or quit-smoking counselor can build a plan that fits your health and breastfeeding goals. Counseling combined with treatment gives the best chance of quitting.

Conclusion

Nicotine from vaping passes into breast milk, and little is known about how e-cigarette use affects babies. Smoking is known to reduce milk supply, likely through nicotine.

The CDC encourages mothers who vape to quit, but breastfeeding still benefits your baby, and breast milk remains the recommended food even if you cannot quit.

Never vape around your baby. Talk with your provider about NRT and other quit support.

Sources

More in Vape Info