Smoking tobacco while breastfeeding

If you smoke tobacco or electronic cigarettes while breastfeeding, harmful substances pass to the baby through milk, and he/she is also exposed to passive smoking. Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals (including cyanide, lead), of which 60 have been proven to be carcinogenic. Mothers who smoke (especially "heavy" smokers who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day) may be deficient in beta carotene, vitamins B6, B12 and C. The child may be anxious, nervous, or have a sleep disorder. Nicotine can reduce milk production, and thus the child's thriving; mothers who smoke are more prone to mastitis.

Sudden infant death is more common in smokers' homes, and these children are more likely to have otitis media, asthma and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.

If you are a smoker, it would be ideal to quit this bad habit while you are planning a pregnancy, or at least early in pregnancy. When you quit smoking, you have made one of the biggest changes that can improve your and your baby’s health. Seek professional advice and assistance to achieve this. It is easier to implement this decision during pregnancy, while you have more time, than after childbirth.

If you have not been able to shake off your bad habit, at least try to reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke. A break between cigarettes and breastfeeding of at least 60 minutes is also recommended, because the amount of nicotine in milk decreases over time.

You can also protect your baby by always smoking outside. Tobacco smoke lingers in your hair, clothes and skin. While smoking, cover your hair and clothes with something that the baby will not come into contact with. Always wash your hands and brush your teeth after smoking, before picking up your baby. Make sure others who smoke do so far enough away from you and your baby.