⚠️CautionCurated
Nicotine Patch
Nicotine patches are a safer alternative to smoking for breastfeeding moms, as they deliver steady, controlled nicotine without the other toxic combustion products. The nicotine still passes into breast milk, but the harm reduction benefit is significant.
📉Nicotine suppresses prolactin; lower steady levels from patches are preferable to cigarette spikes.
Nicotine from patches transfers into breast milk at lower, steadier levels than cigarettes (which cause spikes). Patches are preferred over cigarettes because they eliminate combustion products and secondhand smoke. Nicotine still suppresses prolactin and may reduce supply. To minimize infant exposure, remove the patch overnight (when the baby feeds most) and use the lowest effective dose. Quitting entirely is the goal.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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