Pregnancy is one thing, but postpartum life often comes with a variety of mental and physical challenges. As many as one in five women suffer from postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other concerns include anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia, all compounded by the lack of sleep and hormonal shifts that naturally occur after giving birth. It's no wonder more new parents are gravitating to CBD, or cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of either a marijuana or hemp plant (unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which only comes from marijuana).
It may be tempting to turn to CBD; after all, it's not intoxicating, so it sounds safe, right? The FDA strongly urges any pregnant or breastfeeding person to avoid cannabis products. They point out that no comprehensive studies can demonstrate the safety of CBD on a pregnant or breastfeeding person.
CBD has been touted as the active ingredient in a variety of therapeutic products that boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-psychotic, anti-convulsant, and antidepressant properties. But is it safe to use CBD while breastfeeding? Here's what nursing parents need to know about CBD.
