How Nicotine Affects Breast Milk and Its Consequences for the Baby
Nicotine is absorbed into the smoker's bloodstream within 30min, and then gets to the baby with milk. The quality of milk of a mother who smokes is much worse, it is less saturated with useful substances, and instead is poisoned with various chemical compounds and nicotine. Much less milk is produced.Smoking while breastfeeding has a negative impact on the baby's healthPhoto: Getty What harm does smoking do to the baby:
- The nervous system suffers. Contrary to the opinion that nicotine acts soothingly, it on the contrary, excites. The child does not sleep well, often wakes up, and is capricious.
- The appetite is broken. The child does not eat well, as a result of which growth slows down and a developmental delay occurs.
- Great risk of allergic diseases. With the introduction of complementary foods, almost all products show an allergy.
- Digestive tract disorders. The kid suffers from gazik, colic, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting may occur.
- Decreased immunity. It can develop bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia.
- There is a predisposition to oncology and the risk of sudden death increases.
A mother's addiction to cigarettes during breastfeeding makes the child dependent on nicotine, and he begins to smoke at a young age.
Active and passive smoking: how to reduce their negative impact
It is better if a woman quits smoking during the period when she is breastfeeding. But if she can't get rid of cigarettes, then she should at least try to minimize the harm.
- Smoke a maximum of 4 cigarettes and only in the daytime. It is at night that prolactin is produced to a greater extent.
- Smoke immediately after the baby is attached to the chest, until the next feeding should take at least 2 hours.
- Do not smoke in the same room as the baby even if it is sleeping in another room. Passive smoking is no less detrimental to the baby, so do not allow smoking to others.
- Eat fully, eat more vegetables and fruits, rich food for vitamins and minerals.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid.
- Wash your hands, change clothes after smoking.
- Often go out for a walk with the baby to fresh air.
Gradually reduce your addiction tocigarettes. Having learned about all the threats to the baby, having realized the risk of serious diseases and deviations, you will think about parting with the bad habit. Good luck to you in this difficult matter.