Risks and Benefits
For those who are breastfeeding, the question of whether or not it’s safe to drink coffee may come up. Coffee contains caffeine which can easily be passed on to the baby through breast milk. While the science isn’t yet conclusive as to the long-term effects of caffeine on babies, there are risks and benefits to consider when it comes to drinking coffee while breastfeeding.
Caffeine can pass through breast milk, just like other substances that a mother consumes. It has been found that, on average, caffeine will reach its highest level in the breast milk of a nursing mother two hours after consuming a cup of coffee. Caffeine levels can be detected in the baby’s urine up to 48 hours after mom drinks a cup of coffee. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding mothers limit their caffeine intake to no more than two cups of coffee per day.
Some studies have suggested that excessive caffeine intake in the mother may lead to an increased chance of the baby not gaining enough weight and having difficulty sleeping. Caffeine can also cause a baby to become more irritable and jittery. However, research is still ongoing as to how much caffeine mothers can safely consume while breastfeeding.
How Caffeine Affects Milk Supply
One thing that some people worry about when it comes to drinking coffee while breastfeeding is that it might reduce the mother’s milk supply. This is something that the AAP has addressed and they say that there is no evidence to suggest that drinking coffee in moderation has any negative effect on the amount of breastmilk produced.
That being said, however, it is possible for a mother to experience a decreased milk supply from drinking too much coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it can make her body release fluids. If she is constantly drinking coffee and having to replace lost fluids, she may find that her milk supply is affected due to dehydration.
How to Counteract the Effects
For those who are concerned about the effects of drinking coffee while breastfeeding, there are a few things that can be done to counteract them. Firstly, it is important for mothers to make sure that they stay hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water, as well as other beverages that are non-caffeinated such as tea and juice.
It is also a good idea to try to limit your caffeine intake to no more than two cups of coffee per day, and to wait at least two hours after ingesting caffeine before breastfeeding. This will ensure that the caffeine levels in the mother’s breastmilk are at a minimum before the baby consumes them.
Alternatives to Coffee
If a mother is concerned about the effects of caffeine on her baby, there are some alternatives to coffee that she can have instead. Decaffeinated coffee is an option, although it is important to note that some of the decaffeinated drinks still contain small amounts of caffeine.
Herbal teas and juices are also good alternatives. These drinks are caffeine-free and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to boost the mother’s and baby’s health.
Diet and Lifestyle
In addition to limiting caffeine intake, mothers should also make sure that they are eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will ensure that the mother is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals that she needs to produce a healthy supply of breastmilk.
Regular exercise can also help to boost the mother’s mood, improve her circulation and reduce stress, which can all lead to an increase in milk supply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no definite answer as to whether or not it’s safe to drink coffee while breastfeeding, it is important to consider the risks and benefits before drinking. It is recommend that mothers should limit their caffeine intake to two cups per day, and that they should ensure that they are drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise. Finally, there are a number of alternatives to coffee that may be more suitable for breastfeeding mothers, such as decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas.
