I hope I don't come across as the pot queen, here, but in Austin (an
outpost, in many ways, of the 60's) one often encounters mothers who confide
that they have used marijuana. It is so common that my consults often
include a remark like: " Without asking you to specifically discuss it,
mothers often have questions about herbal, or recreational drug and alcohol
use.  I am willing to give you factual information about these issues. If
face to face discussion makes you feel uncomfortable, call me later
anonymously and ask and I will provide that information."

  I have seen mothers who admit to daily use with what looked like perfectly
normal amounts of milk. Rather than being known for suppressing appetite,
the joke about pot in the 60's was that it propelled people into eating
frenzies known as "food trips."  Marijuana use by people enduring
chemotherapy is believed to reduce nausea and enhance appetite.  My guess is
that some heavy pot users may simply not respond appropriately to baby's
hunger cues, and may not feed frequently or for long enough. I think pot may
well be a way that depressed people self-medicate.  Establishing rapport and
beginning counseling are good ways to assist. Weight checks insure follow-up
to be certain baby is ok.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE, IBCLC
priv. pract. Austin, Tx
Owner LACTNEWS On-Line (the Conference Page)
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html