Introduction
Women breastfeeding their babies frequently look to alternatives to reduce breast milk production — due to lifestyle, lifestyle changes, health problems, or other legitimate reasons. Coffee is a popular choice for this purpose, as it is available and relatively benign. But does drinking coffee reduce breast milk? Studies show that regular intake of caffeine from coffee does affect breast milk production, but it is not clear how much of an effect it has. In this article, we will discuss if, and how much, coffee can reduce breast milk production.
Background Information
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of the Coffea plant — primarily from two species, Coffea Arabica (Arabica) and Coffea Robusta (Robusta). Coffee beans contain caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, polyphenols, tannins and other compounds that are absorbed by our bodies. Caffeine is a drug which has both a stimulatory and a sedative effect — depending on how much you take — and it is known to reduce fatigue, increase alertness and improve performance. While caffeine is generally considered safe for adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to limit their intake of caffeine.
Does Caffeine Reduce Breast Milk Production?
There have been studies that suggest caffeine does affect breast milk production in different ways. A study conducted by the University of Queensland in Australia showed that caffeine consumption by breastfeeding mothers had an effect on infant sleep duration and wakefulness. Infants whose mothers consumed around 300 mg of caffeine daily had shorter sleep duration and more night awakenings, with consumption of even lower dosages also having a slight effect. The same study showed that lower dosages of caffeine (Effects on Infants
Studies indicates that caffeine can be passed through breastmilk and can lead to mild side effects, such as irritability and restlessness, in infants. These side effects are not common in infants, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers should avoid caffeine or limit their intake, as it can interfere with their baby’s sleep and increase wakefulness. The Mayo Clinic also advises that mothers should limit their caffeine intake to 200mg/day.
Alternatives to Reduce Breast Milk Production
If a mother wishes to reduce her breast milk production, there are other alternatives that have been proven to be more effective than coffee. These include power pumping, avoiding breast stimulation and taking certain herbs such as fenugreek and blessed thistle. Power pumping is a technique where the mother pumps for short periods of time (5-10 minutes) and then takes a break for twice as long. This technique helps to decrease prolactin which is the hormone that stimulates milk production. It is also important to make sure that the breast is not stimulated and that the baby is not actively nursing when trying to reduce breast milk production. Taking herbs such as fenugreek and blessed thistle can also help stimulate the production of breast milk, though they should be used with caution as they may not be safe for all women.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts suggest that while drinking coffee may not be the optimal choice to reduce breast milk production, there is no evidence that it is dangerous either. J. Jimenez-Lara, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Florida, says that “data has been inconclusive about the effects of caffeine on breast milk production,” but “it is reasonable to assume that exaggerated caffeine intake may have undesirable effects.” Therefore, it is important for women to be mindful of their intake and to consult with their doctor before taking any steps to reduce their breast milk production.
Risks for the Mother
Not only can caffeine consumption reduce the amount of breast milk a mother is able to produce, it can also have negative effects on the breastfeeding mother. Caffeine is known to increase heart rate, raise blood pressure and cause anxiety. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. And while it is considered safe to consume within the lower dosage limit of 200 mg per day, it can still cause sleeplessness and headaches, which can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for her child.
Insights and Analysis
In conclusion, while some studies indicate that caffeine can reduce the amount of breast milk a mother produces, it is not clear how much it affects production. Additionally, there is no evidence that drinking coffee is dangerous; however, it is important that mothers be aware of their caffeine intake and consult with their doctor before attempting to reduce their breast milk production.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the most important things for breastfeeding mothers to do is to take care of their health. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting enough rest can all help to reduce stress levels and decrease the chances of a mother needing to reduce her breast milk production. Additionally, it is important to prioritize sleep since sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in stress hormone levels and cause problems with lactation.
Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is an important part of breastfeeding and it is important for mothers to make sure that they are taking care of their physical and mental health. Adequate nutrition and lifestyle changes, such as exercising and getting enough rest, can all help to reduce stress levels and increase the chances of successful breastfeeding. Additionally, it is also important to be aware of the amount of caffeine that mothers are consuming as it may have an effect on breast milk production.
Counseling and Support
There are a variety of resources available to support breastfeeding mothers, such as lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups and online support. Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who are trained to provide breastfeeding advice and they can provide help to mothers who are having difficulty breastfeeding or want to reduce their breast milk production. Additionally, there are online resources, such as La Leche League and Breastfeeding USA, which can provide online support and advice to mothers.
Nutrition and Supplementation
Nutrition is another important part of successful breastfeeding and mothers should focus on eating a healthy diet. Products such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, milk thistle and oatmeal are known to help increase milk production. Additionally, certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, can also be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Impact of Stress
It is also important for mothers to be aware of the impact that stress can have on breastfeeding and milk production. Stress can lead to an increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in prolactin, which is the hormone that stimulates milk production. Additionally, stress can also lead to an increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in oxytocin, which is the hormone that helps with milk letdown. Therefore, it is important for mothers to manage their stress levels and take steps to reduce stress.
