Few questions feel as urgent or as unsettling to a new parent as those touching upon their baby’s safety. If you are reading this article, you are likely navigating the complexities of making choices about substances while breastfeeding and wondering, “Can these choices affect my baby?” It’s a completely valid and responsible question, and you are not alone in asking it.
The core concern behind asking if a baby can get “high” from breast milk usually relates to the transfer of psychoactive substances, most commonly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active component in cannabis. Parents are seeking clarity on the risks, how different substances transfer into milk, and what visible effects this might have on their child.
As experienced parenting editors, our goal here is to provide calm, evidence-based guidance that prioritizes your baby’s safety while offering non-judgmental information for caregivers navigating this complex topic in 2026. We will look closely at how substances transfer, what health experts advise, and when certain behaviors are simply normal infant activities versus signs of concern.
Important Safety Note: We are providing informational guidance. Because this topic involves health and safety, all decisions regarding substance use while breastfeeding should be discussed directly with your baby’s pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.
Understanding Substance Transfer in Breast Milk
When a parent consumes any substance—whether it’s a medication, alcohol, or cannabis—that substance travels through the bloodstream. For a substance to affect the baby through breastfeeding, it must first successfully transfer from the parent’s blood into the mammary tissue and then into the milk.
The transfer rate depends on several factors, including the substance’s molecular weight, its half-life (how long it stays in the body), and crucially, its affinity for fat (known as lipophilicity).
How Psychoactive Substances Affect Babies
The term “high” generally refers to the psychoactive effects experienced by adults, which involves altered perception, mood, and coordination. For infants, whose brains and central nervous systems are rapidly developing and highly sensitive, the effects of psychoactive substances are less about a temporary recreational state and more about potential disruption to critical developmental processes.
When substances are present in breast milk, they can be absorbed by the baby and potentially affect sleep patterns, neurological function, alertness, and feeding behavior.
Focus: THC, Cannabis, and Breastfeeding Safety
Since cannabis use is becoming more normalized and legally accessible in many parts of the United States, THC is the substance parents most frequently worry about when asking if their baby can get “high.”
The Challenge of THC
Unlike alcohol, which is eliminated relatively quickly and is water-soluble, THC is highly fat-soluble (lipophilic). This means THC readily binds to fat molecules, including the fat naturally present in breast milk. Because it binds to fat, it tends to linger in the body and can remain detectable in breast milk for a long time—sometimes weeks—after the parent’s last use.
While research is ongoing, and sometimes conflicting due to the variability of cannabis products and usage patterns, the consensus among major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC, is strong:
- THC Transfer: Significant amounts of THC do transfer into breast milk.
- Safety Risk: Regular exposure to THC in breast milk is associated with concerns regarding the infant’s neurodevelopment.
- Official Guidance: Due to potential risks to the developing brain and uncertainty about long-term outcomes, using cannabis products while breastfeeding is widely advised against.
A baby exposed to significant amounts of THC in breast milk may not necessarily appear “high” in the adult sense, but they may display concerning symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, difficulty feeding, poor muscle tone (lethargy), and reduced alertness. These symptoms signal that the baby’s central nervous system is being affected, which warrants immediate medical attention.
Addressing Alcohol Consumption and Breastfeeding
Another substance that commonly prompts safety questions is alcohol. While alcohol is not typically associated with the baby feeling “high,” parents worry about its effects on coordination and sleep.
Alcohol transfers into breast milk, but unlike THC, its concentration mirrors the parent’s blood alcohol level and clears relatively quickly.
Guidance on Alcohol
The key principle with alcohol is timing. Most experts agree that occasional, moderate alcohol consumption (typically defined as one standard drink) is manageable if the parent waits for the alcohol to clear their system before nursing again.
The alcohol content in breast milk peaks about 30–60 minutes after consumption and generally takes about two hours per standard drink to metabolize fully. If a parent has consumed one drink, waiting about two to three hours before the next feeding allows the alcohol levels in the milk to drop significantly, often below detectable levels.
The “Pump and Dump” Myth Clarification: Pumping and discarding milk after consuming alcohol does not speed up the clearance of alcohol from your system or your milk. Alcohol leaves breast milk only as it leaves the bloodstream. If you pump to maintain supply or comfort, you may need to discard that milk only because the alcohol content may still be high.
The “Milk Drunk” Look vs. Substance Exposure
Parents often search for signs that their baby might be feeling unusual effects after nursing. Sometimes, the appearance of a baby who has recently finished a large feeding—often referred to affectionately as “milk drunk”—can trigger concern.
It is helpful to differentiate normal, healthy infant behavior from symptoms caused by substance exposure.
What Normal Post-Feeding Behavior Looks Like
After a full and satisfying nursing session, babies commonly exhibit behaviors that suggest deep relaxation and contentment:
- Heavy Eyelids: They may look drowsy, with eyelids fluttering or closing heavily.
- Lethargy/Sleepiness: They often fall into a deep, peaceful sleep immediately following the feed.
- Limp Relaxation: Their limbs may feel heavy and relaxed, a temporary state known as decreased muscle tone (a natural result of being deeply satisfied and ready for rest).
This is a sign of a successful feeding and is completely normal. The baby is digesting and resting, which is crucial for early development.
Signs That Suggest Medical Concern
If the baby is exhibiting symptoms related to substance exposure, the behavior will be more extreme and usually persist beyond the immediate post-feeding period. These symptoms are signs that the baby’s nervous system is under stress:
- Extreme Sedation: The baby is difficult to rouse, unresponsive, or sleeps for unusually long periods, skipping feeds.
- Weak Suck/Poor Feeding: The baby cannot latch properly or falls asleep immediately upon starting to feed.
- Floppiness (Hypotonia): Generalized lack of muscle tone that is concerningly persistent or severe.
- Breathing Issues: Shallow or erratic breathing, or periods where the baby stops breathing briefly (apnea).
If you observe these serious signs, you must contact emergency services or your pediatrician immediately.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If you are struggling with choices regarding substances, medications, or alcohol while breastfeeding, open communication with your healthcare team is essential. Never feel shame or judgment; medical professionals are there to ensure the safety of both parent and child.
Consult Your Pediatrician If:
- You are currently using cannabis or considering using it: Your pediatrician or an obstetrician can provide the most current, individualized safety guidance based on your usage level and your baby’s age and health status.
- You are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications: Always check if a medication is safe for breastfeeding. Many medications are safe, but some require careful monitoring or timing.
- Your baby seems excessively sleepy, lethargic, or difficult to wake after feeding: This is especially true if this behavior is new or unusual for your child.
- You have any doubt about what is normal behavior versus concerning behavior: Trust your instincts as a parent; if something feels wrong, it’s best to check it out.
Creating a Safety-First Nursing Plan
Making informed choices is crucial during the early stages of parenting. If you are struggling with substance use or need to take necessary medications, there are strategies available to help maintain your breastfeeding relationship safely:
1. Discuss Openly with a Professional
Before consuming any substance, including herbal supplements or newly prescribed medications in 2026, consult the physician managing your care or your child’s pediatrician. They can check reliable databases to confirm if the substance passes into milk and if it poses a risk (for example, the NIH maintains excellent drug and lactation databases).
2. Plan for Timing and Substitution
If you choose to consume alcohol or if you are using a medication with known transfer risks, planning is key:
- Timing: Schedule consumption immediately after a feed, allowing the maximum time (usually 2–4 hours) before the next nursing session.
- Substitution: If you use certain substances that are advised against while nursing, plan to use previously pumped, safely stored milk or formula during the clearance period.
3. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Parenting is demanding, and mental health challenges are common. If you are using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or postpartum depression, please reach out for professional help. Taking care of your well-being is vital for your baby’s safety, and specialized support is available that does not compromise your baby’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it okay to drink coffee while breastfeeding?
Moderate caffeine intake is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding. Caffeine does pass into breast milk, but most babies can tolerate the levels resulting from 1–2 cups of coffee per day. If your baby seems unusually irritable, restless, or has trouble sleeping, you may consider reducing your intake.
How long does THC stay in breast milk?
Because THC is fat-soluble, it can be detected in breast milk significantly longer than in blood or urine, sometimes for days or even weeks after the last use, depending on the frequency and dosage of consumption. This variability is why major health organizations advise against use while nursing.
Can stress or fatigue make my baby appear “high”?
No, stress or fatigue in the parent cannot make a baby “high.” However, both parent and baby fatigue can lead to poor quality feeds, irritability, and drowsiness in the baby that might be mistaken for an unusual reaction. Focus on establishing healthy sleep routines for both of you.
If I smelled cannabis smoke but didn’t consume it, is my milk safe?
Incidental exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke is unlikely to cause detectable levels of THC in breast milk. The primary concern is if the parent is regularly exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke, or if they have inhaled or consumed the substance themselves.
What if I consumed a substance before I knew I was pregnant or nursing?
If you consumed a substance before realizing you were pregnant or immediately before finding out you were nursing, try to stay calm. The most important step is to stop using the substance immediately and speak with your healthcare provider about any necessary monitoring or testing for your baby.
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Friendly Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, development, or substance exposure, please consult your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider immediately. Safety comes first, and your doctor is your best partner in navigating these decisions.