- Avoid subjecting your baby to the harmful effects of second hand smoke.
- Smoking may decrease your milk supply.
- Smoke immediately after nursing so the dose of nicotine in the breastmilk has time to leave the breasts in time for the next feeding.
- Side effects of nicotine for your baby may include bad tasting breastmilk, decreased appetite, fussiness and restlessness.
- Try to stop smoking or at least limit the number of cigarettes smoked each day.
- A nicotine patch while breastfeeding may be less risky than smoking. Try to gradually decrease the patch dose and hopefully break the habit.
- Short-acting products, like gum or lozenges, are also an option.
5/23