- Kaylee Wulf shared a TikTok in January about vaping while pregnant with her second child.
- She she said her doctor told her to vape instead of using cigarettes if she couldn't quit completely.
A TikTok user named Kaylee Wulf shared a video last month about vaping while pregnant. She said was prompted to speak out after seeing other mothers being shamed for using nicotine products while expecting.
In the January 1 video, which has more than 55,000 views on Saturday, Wulf said she was vaping while 14 weeks pregnant with her second child. She added that even though she also smoked throughout her first pregnancy, she wasn't trying to condone the decision.
"I'm not saying that it's OK, and I'm not justifying it, but it is a real addiction. Nicotine is a real addiction," she said. "And just with anything else, it's not going to be easy to knock."
@kaymariewulf18 Proud of the people who actually were able to quit, but shaming people who are struggling isn’t right. Y’all really find an issue with everything that does not or will not effect you personally. Quit judging/shaming bc its not something you’d personally do. #pregnant #vaping #fyp #momshaming #viraltiktok ♬ original sound - Kaylee Marie
Wulf noted that she was sober from other drugs she used in the past but had trouble weaning herself off of her vape. She doubled down on her stance in the comments and said she was acting on medical advice from her obstetrician.
"I was told this by my OB and she also told me she'd prefer me to vape instead of smoking cigs, if I was unable to quit completely," Wulf wrote. "It's def helped me cut back a LOT and I can't even stand to be around a cigarette anymore."
Wulf did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
While some commenters shared that they had similar experiences, many also voiced their concern.
"I vaped for about 5 years and was able to stop cold turkey knowing it wasn't about me anymore," one user wrote. "I think it's quite selfish."
"Definitely not something to be proud of… it's not easy at first but your baby should be worth quitting nicotine for 9 months," another person said.
@kaymariewulf18 Y’all act like i said i cheif on this mf or something lol #fyp #vaping #pregnanttiktok #momshaming #viralvideo ♬ original sound - Kaylee Marie
In a follow-up video posted the next day, Wulf said she knew she would get hate on her original TikTok, and that she read comments saying she didn't deserve her children because she vaped.
"I posted it because it's a real thing that people go through, and I never said I didn't feel guilty. I didn't say I didn't feel like a piece of shit for doing it, but it's hard. It's not easy for everybody," she said.
Experts say using any nicotine while pregnant can damage a baby's organs
A 2021 study from the US National Library of Medicine showed that at least 16% of pregnant smokers or former smokers vaped during early pregnancy, while 18% continued vaping into late pregnancy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nicotine can cause permanent damage to a baby's developing organs, including the brain and lungs. The medical center notes that the liquids in e-cigarettes have chemicals and flavors that can also be harmful to an unborn child. They suggest quitting immediately.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also advises against vaping during pregnancy. While the organization notes that "the aerosol of e-cigarettes generally has fewer harmful substances than cigarette smoke," nicotine products are still unsafe for pregnant people.