Table 3 Qualitative analysis of factors relating to concerns or lack of concerns (N = 14)
Exemplary quotes1 | Key features of quotes by theme |
|---|---|
Theme 1 : Identifying research gaps and seeking out resources | |
“I have done a lot of personal research […]” (Participant F, has very few concerns, medical use) | Experience seeking out resources and research when making the decision to use cannabis while breastfeeding |
“From what I have read there doesn’t seem to be any harm in smoking cannabis while breastfeeding […]” (Participant N, has very few concerns, non-medical use) | |
"I joined a Facebook group with other moms who smoke and breastfeed, and they help provide resources when anyone has questions." (Participant L, has very few concerns, non-medical use) | |
“I know many mothers who breastfeed and smoke weed. They have healthy babies, and they are able to tend to babies’ every need in a less stressful manner, which overall, benefits the babies even more.” (Participant D, has no concerns, non-medical use) | Use of anecdotal evidence from other people in their lives who used cannabis while breastfeeding |
“I asked a lot of people who had smoked and breastfed and they all had positive experiences and no side effects in their babies […]” (Participant I, has very few concerns, medical use) | |
“My concern is the lack of research […] I do feel guilt concerned about it just because we don't know the long-term effects at this current time, and dosing is a large factor.” (Participant H, has a lot of concerns, medical use) | Identified lack of research on effects of cannabis use during lactation on infant development as a reason for concern |
“There's not a lot of research out there to help me understand the way it affects my baby's development so that brings up concerns.” (Participant G, has a few concerns, medical use) | |
Theme 2: Monitoring child’s health and development2 | |
“I have been concerned about the effect it will have on my baby’s development.” (Participant M, has a few concerns, medical use) | Concerns related to potential effects of cannabis use on their infants’ development |
“She doesn’t seem to have any reactions when I use cannabis.” (Participant E, has very few concerns, medical use) | Observation of their infants for any reactions to cannabis use (e.g., appetite, sleep, weight/length/growth, doctors’ feedback) as evidence that their children were not being negatively affected |
"My son is very smart, healthy, eats great, sleeps great, and is bigger than other children I know his age that are not breastfed or do not have exposure to THC.” (Participant C, has very few concerns, medical use) | |
“I have never heard of cannabis causing issues and have never seen them in my own kids.” (Participant A, has no concerns, non-medical use) | |
“[…] my child is doing exceptionally well according to his doctor.” (Participant F, has very few concerns, medical use) | |
Theme 3: Monitoring and titrating use | |
“[…] I feel safe to use it since I also don't have a high/strong use.” (Participant E, has very few concerns, medical use) | Felt safe using cannabis due to perceived low use or purposefully reduced cannabis use to reduce risk |
“I try to limit my use due to guilt about it […]” (Participant H, has a lot of concerns, medical use) | |
“Slight concerns only because there is not much research on the effects it has on children which is why […] I use very little amounts.” (Participant J, has very few concerns, non-medical use) | |
Theme 4: Comparative risk between cannabis and other substances, and acknowledging costs and benefits | |
“Cannabis is a plant.” (Participant K, has no concerns, non-medical use) | Description of cannabis as "natural" or highlighting its status as a plant to draw distinction between cannabis and pharmaceuticals |
“I have little concern because cannabis is a natural medicine, but I’m still aware that everything including “good things” have side effects […]” (Participant B, has very few concerns, non-medical use) | |
“[…] it truly does help with anxiety and depression. I also justify it in my head because I would rather occasionally use cannabis vs taking long term anxiety medications or benzodiazepines. I think it has less negative effects compared to some of the pharmaceuticals available. (Participant H, has a lot of concerns, medical use) | Highlighted tradeoffs between the unknown risks of cannabis use while breastfeeding and alternative medication or no medication, concluding that the perceived benefits of using cannabis outweighed the risks |
“I […] have made the educated decision that the benefit outweighs the possible risks.” (Participant F, has very few concerns, medical use) | |