(1045) Human Milk and Illicit Substance Exposure

Poster Presenter(s)

Joelle Puccio, BSN, RN

Director of Education
Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction
Seattle, Washington, United States
Disclosure: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Cannabis and other illicit substance use is increasingly recognized as a common phenomenon in women of reproductive age. Weighing the risks of substance exposure via human milk against the benefits of breastfeeding can be challenging for families and clinicians alike. Decisions regarding donor human milk, lactation support, and pumping can affect patients and families in profound ways, and should be well informed and carefully considered.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the effects of 6 classes of illicit/recreational substances on the lactating dyad.
Describe best practices for lactation support in the context of substance use.