Life is full of challenges, and mothers have their fair share of them. One of the most difficult decisions that a mother with a history of opioid addiction faces is whether to breastfeed their child or not.

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. It provides many benefits, including boosting the baby’s immune system, greater cognitive development, and many others. However, when opioids are involved, it can be incredibly dangerous for newborns.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are potent medications that are often prescribed to relieve pain. They can come in a variety of forms, including prescriptions like codeine, morphine, Vicodin, and many others.

Some people may also use other substances, including those that are illegal. These are drugs that change the way the brain perceives pain signals, which is why they are commonly used to manage pain.

Opioid Use During Pregnancy

Opioid use has increased significantly over the last few years, and that includes the number of women using opioids during pregnancy.

When a pregnant woman takes opioids, it can easily cross the placenta, and the drugs can affect the baby’s nervous system. This can occur even if the mother is taking opioids as prescribed by her doctor.

During pregnancy, women can experience many complications, including preterm labor, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and many others. NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to opioids while in the womb and may experience withdrawal-like symptoms.

It can lead to various health problems.

Is It Safe to Breastfeed with Opioid Use Disorder?

Many women are often unsure if they can continue to breastfeed their newborns if they have an opioid use disorder.

It is generally recommended that mothers who have been prescribed opioids continue to breastfeed since the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks associated with opioids. However, in some cases, breastfeeding may not be recommended, and a doctor may recommend an alternative.

The Dangers of Breastfeeding While Using Opioids

When a mother is taking opioids, the drugs can easily pass from the bloodstream into the breast milk. This puts the baby at risk of ingesting the drugs that can cause harm. Depending on the opioid used, some of the most dangerous side effects include:.

Drowsiness
Slow breathing
Poor feeding
Constipation
Developmental delays

In the worst-case scenario, the baby’s life may be at risk if they consume too much of the drug.

This risk is elevated when mothers switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding since the number of opioids in breast milk will vary, leading to unpredictable administration with the bottle. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers who are also using opioids are more likely to develop mastitis, and babies are more susceptible to infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, which can be transmitted through breast milk.

What to Do If You Are a Mother with an Opioid Use Disorder

If you are a mother with an opioid use disorder, there are several things that you need to do to ensure your baby’s safety. First, you will need to discuss your opioid use with a healthcare provider.

Second, you should consider taking opioids in the smallest amount possible, avoiding long-acting opioids like methadone. If possible, short-acting opioids should be used.

Third, you should closely monitor your baby for symptoms of opioid exposure. If you notice any adverse side effects, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Conclusion

The decision to breastfeed while using opioids is stressful for many mothers.

If you are a mother with an opioid use disorder, it is recommended that you talk with your healthcare provider and establish a safety plan that will protect your baby while you recover. Small amounts of opioids may be safe for breastfeeding mothers, but if the baby exhibits any signs of complications, take steps immediately to protect your child.