Tobacco Use
Should mothers who smoke breastfeed?
Mothers who smoke are encouraged to quit, however, breast milk remains
the recommended food for a baby even if the mother smokes. Although
nicotine may be present in the milk of a mother who smokes, there are
no reports of adverse effects on the infant due to breastfeeding. Secondary
smoke is a separate concern regarding the child’s long-term health. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes pregnancy and lactation as two
ideal times to promote smoking cessation, but does not indicate that
mothers who smoke should not breastfeed.
For more information, see CDC's Tobacco Information and Prevention Source (TIPS).
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Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion