Red flags — call us immediately or go to the Emergency Department if:
- Your baby seems unusually drowsy or hard to rouse after feeds (possible cannabinoid in milk effect)
- Your baby is feeding much less than usual, for no obvious reason
- You are feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (please reach out to your GP, midwife, or crisis line immediately)
- Your baby has a fever of 38 °C or above and is under 3 months old — universal RED
- Your baby has a rash that does not fade when pressed — universal RED
- Your baby seems floppy or unresponsive — universal RED
- Fast breathing, blue lips, or sucking-in of the ribs — breathing emergency
- A fit/seizure, or your child becomes floppy or unresponsive — general red flag
Current guidance — CBD is not recommended while breastfeeding
Major health bodies — including the FDA (USA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Belgian AFMPS — advise against using CBD during breastfeeding. The reason is not that CBD is known to harm babies, but that we do not yet know enough about its safety. CBD has been detected in breast milk in small studies. Because cannabinoids are fat-soluble, they can accumulate in breast milk, which is high in fat. The possible effects of CBD on a developing infant's brain are not well understood. Until we have better data, the precautionary approach is to avoid it.
CBD is different from THC — but still uncertain
CBD (cannabidiol) does not cause a "high" the way THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does. However, they are both cannabinoids and both can be present in breast milk. Many CBD products sold as food supplements — especially full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oils — also contain small amounts of THC. THC has more evidence of potential harm to infant brain development than CBD. Always check the label; "CBD isolate" products are less likely to contain THC, but are not guaranteed to be THC-free.
What you might be using CBD for — safer alternatives exist
Many mothers use CBD for anxiety, poor sleep, chronic pain, or postpartum low mood. These are all valid concerns that deserve proper support. Your GP can recommend evidence-based alternatives: for anxiety and sleep, talking therapies (CBT-I for insomnia, CBT for anxiety) and certain prescribed medicines are safe during breastfeeding. For pain, paracetamol and ibuprofen (the latter in the first 6 months) are safe. Postpartum depression and anxiety respond well to treatment — please reach out to your GP or midwife.
If you have already been using CBD
If you have already been using CBD while breastfeeding, there is no need to panic. The evidence of harm from CBD specifically is limited — this guidance is based on insufficient safety data, not on evidence of confirmed harm. Stop using it now if you can, and mention it to your GP. There is no need to test your baby unless they are showing unusual symptoms.
Supporting yourself without CBD
Being a new parent is hard. Good sleep hygiene, social support, gentle exercise, and talking to someone you trust all support mental wellbeing. In Belgium, your ONE or Kind & Gezin nurse is an excellent first contact. If your anxiety, low mood, or pain is significantly affecting your daily life, please speak to your GP — there are real, safe, effective options for breastfeeding mothers.
If anything changes
CBD is not recommended during breastfeeding — not because it is proven harmful, but because we do not yet know enough. Talk to your GP about safer alternatives for anxiety, sleep, or pain. Call us if your baby seems unusually drowsy.
Emergency? Call 112. Do not wait for a reply from us.
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Message us on WhatsAppReviewed and signed off by Dr Didier Decamps on 5 September 2026. This is general information and does not replace an individual assessment by a qualified clinician.
Written with AI assistance. Reviewed, corrected and signed by Dr Didier Decamps, paediatrician.
Last reviewed: 5 September 2026