Breastfeeding "pump and Dump"?

Question

I went out last night and I stupidly smoked cigarettes for the first time since I quit when found out I was pregnant (10mo ago) How long will I have to Pump and dump before the nicotine is out of my system? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Doctors say that it's better to smoke and breastfeed, then to not breastfeed at all. I wouldn't sweat it if I were you.

Answer 2

There is absolutely NO need to pump and dump.. but of course that doesn't mean you should go out and smoke again.  And hugs to you because I know how hard it is.. Ive been there and done that.

Answer 3

If you are really worried - 24 hrs should be fine.

Answer 4

You don't have to "pump and dump" for an occasional cigarette.  Continued smoking can be a problem - it can affect baby's naps and your letdown/milk supply.  Second-hand smoke is worse for the baby than nicotine in breastmilk, though, so keep the baby away from any smoke.

Answer 5

unfortunatly i have done the same thing a couple of times....if it was last night you are safe....when you start wanting a cigg again you know the nicotine is gone cause your body is wanting more....just dont smoke again while your breastfeeding...:)  there is no such thing as a perfect mother so dont feel guilty either.....we are all just trying to do our best!

Answer 6

It has been several hours so one pump and dump would be enough, I had a local anasthetic and the doctor told me that I would only need to do this once so I am sure it will be fine.

Some other interesting facts about nicotine:

Nicotine ingested by smoking tobacco can get into breast milk. Heavy smoking (more than 20 a day) has been known to decrease milk production and to cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in babies. In general, though, nicotine is not easily absorbed into a baby's intestinal tract and is quickly metabolised. Babies of smokers are prone to colic and respiratory infections and smoking can increase the risk of SIDS in newborns.

Don't give up, everyone has the odd slip up!

Answer 7

you are in the clear. please don;t be so stupid again. My father is dying from cancer, all caused by cigarettes. He's not even 60, and I'm not ready to lose him. Think about what your habit will do to your child 10, 20, 30 years down the road.