A 22-year-old member asked:
My sister smokes cigarettes normally, but she's breast-feeding my nephew. can i get facts on how poisonous i know it must be for the baby? to tell her
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Beedeanswered
Internal Medicine 34 years experience
Amer Lung Assoc: Smoking while breast feeding decreases milk supply and changes the composition of breast milk. It may also may her baby more fussy. Second hand smoke has more problems for her child. Quitting smoking is best, but it is a powerfully addictive drug, more addictive than coccaine or heroine. The americal lung association (www.Lungusa.Org) is a good source of further information.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett commented
Pediatrics 40 years experience
However remember that tobacco smoking is NOT a contraindication for breastfeeding. Refer to Centers For Disease Control FAQs on Breastfeeding http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm
Apr 15, 2012
Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Provide support: When she can " hear" that prenatal exposure to tobacco has potentially set him up for deficits in speech & language skills, visual/spatial abilities, behavior, attention & iq & that his passive smoking continues to harm his lungs & brain, she'll feel very guilty. Don't scold; tell her how worried you are about both of them. Ask her to talk her pediatrician. She may not read the literature.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.