Final answer:
Heavy smoking during breastfeeding can result in negative effects such as passing harmful substances to the infant and reduced milk supply. It is associated with risks like low birth weight and SIDS, and can also reduce the effectiveness of certain medications and increase the risk of bone fractures and slower healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heavy smoking can have significant negative effects on breastfeeding. When a mother smokes, the nicotine and other harmful substances can be passed to the infant through breast milk. This exposure can lead to the baby experiencing a reduction in blood oxygen levels, which can have dire consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that smoking during pregnancy is associated with serious risks including premature birth, low-birth-weight infants, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Furthermore, breastfeeding mothers who smoke may notice a reduction in milk supply, potentially impairing the infant's nutrition.
The SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING clearly states that smoking can result in lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and complications in pregnancy. Additionally, smoking has been documented to negatively impact the female reproductive system, increasing the risk of infertility and miscarriages. Moreover, smoking can decrease the effectiveness of certain therapeutic drugs and lead to a higher risk of bone fractures and slower wound healing, critical factors for new mothers.