Breastfeeding Moms and Decaf Coffee
Coffee is a major part of many people’s mornings, sometimes even breastfeeding moms. But can breastfeeding moms drink decaf coffee? What is the impact on their milk and the baby? There is research out there that can help inform mothers of any potential risks.
According to the National Institute of Health, “The amount of caffeine transferred into the milk is related to the amount of caffeine ingested.” That being said, most studies have found that caffeine ingested by the mother through coffee is usually trace amounts – though those trace amounts can be in the milk for several hours after consumption. That is why decaf is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. Meri Tates, lactation consultant on the American Academy of Pediatrics, reiterates that recommendation stating, “Caffeine in excess can increase the amount of time it takes for the baby to reach full nutrition after a meal. In addition, it can also interfere with sleep patterns, which is especially concerning for newborns.” It’s also important to keep in mind that caffeine metabolizes differently from person to person. Some metabolize quicker, which may lead to more caffeine in the baby’s system if drinking coffee.
Decaf coffee is the way to go for nursing mothers due to its low levels of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee is produced through a process that uses water and an external agent such as methylene chloride. This strips most of the caffeine from the coffee beans, leading to a cup of coffee with a fraction of the caffeine strength compared to regular coffee. It is still possible for decaf to have small amounts of caffeine, however.
The American Pregnancy Association states that a pregnant or nursing mother should limit her caffeine intake to 200 mg or less per day. To put this into context, a single cup of regular coffee can contain up to 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. The same size cup of decaf will contain only 2 to 12 mg. A 2016 study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that drinking more than 200 mg of caffeine a day while breastfeeding led to more frequent and longer awake periods for babies.
Maintaining a caffeine-free diet while breastfeeding can have positive benefits for the mother and child. Decaf coffee still has some caffeine, and caffeine does pass to the baby through the mother’s milk. Thus, decaf coffee should still be avoided. So, if you’re looking for your daily caffeine fix and you are breastfeeding, it’s best to go with a caffeine-free drink such as herbal tea.
Conducting Research on Baby’s Effects from Caffeine Intake by lactating Mothers
Conducting research on the effects of caffeine intake by lactating mothers, some of which include decreased iron levels in the baby and longer sucking times, can provide crucial insights into the impact of caffeine on baby’s health. Studies have also shown links between maternal caffeine intake and increased infant irritability and decreased attention. Based on this research, recommending that mothers avoid ingesting caffeine while breastfeeding — including decaf coffee — is believed to be essential.
In some cases, a mother’s health condition can affect the amount of caffeine the baby may receive through the mother’s breast milk. For example, coffee drinking mothers who have certain medical conditions – such as diabetes and pyrocetaminuria – have been found to have higher levels of caffeine in their breast milk due to their body’s inability to break down and eliminate caffeine quickly.
The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers limit their caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams per day, as this is associated with a slightly greater risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. While these recommendations primarily refer to regular coffee, it is still important for mothers to be mindful of their consumption of decaf coffee since it can still contain some levels of caffeine.
Effects of Decaf Coffee on Lactation
Research on the effects of decaf coffee on lactation is also limited, so there is not enough evidence to recommend eliminating decaf coffee entirely. It is essential to note, however, that caffeine can transfer to the breast milk in trace amounts, even when drinking decaf coffee, and conflicting results have been found regarding the effects of decaf on lactation. Some research suggests that higher amounts of decaf are associated with decreased infant growth rate and condition, but more research is needed to fully understand the repercussions.
Anaphylactoid reactions reported in some nursing infants appear to have been linked to their mother’s consumption of decaf coffee. Anecdotal reports suggest that the infants who experienced anaphylactoid reactions were responsive and recovered in the presence of maternal caffeine abstinence.
Due to a lack of research regarding the effects of decaf coffee on lactation, caution should be taken when consuming, and only very little should be consumed. Additionally, mothers should take into account how quickly their bodies metabolize caffeine, how often they drink coffee, and the amount of caffeine contained in their beverages in order to effectively monitor their caffeine intake.
Safety and Quality of Decaf Coffee
When considering whether to drink decaf coffee, it is essential to consider the safety and quality of the product. Many decaf coffee manufacturers use chemical solvents, such as ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, and carbon dioxide, in order to remove the caffeine from the coffee beans. These solvents may leave a residue in the final cup, especially if the coffee grounds were not properly rinsed before packaging.
Organic decaf coffees must still go through a chemical decaffeination process. However, an extra step is taken to reduce the levels of chemicals in the coffee. The beans are first put into heated water and then the chemical solvent is added. The beans are then steamed and the chemical is removed. This process is much safer than other methods, as fewer potentially harmful chemicals are used.
When selecting decaf coffee, it is important to carefully examine the packaging and label. Look for organic options and make sure the manufacturer has provided specific information on the chemical decaffeination process used. It is also important to note that even though a label may state decaffeinated, it could still contain trace amounts of caffeine, so it is important to keep this in mind.
Finding Alternatives for Caffeine Intake When Breastfeeding
If a mother is looking for a caffeine-free alternative to help herself stay alert and energetic during the day, there are other options. Natural foods such as green tea, apples and oranges, and dark chocolate can provide small amounts of caffeine for a much lower level of exposure. Wild yam root is also known to be high in caffeine and can act as an energy booster.
Mothers can also take advantage of the other health benefits of green tea, including antioxidants, which can help the body fight off infection and protect the cells. There are some teas on the market that are specially made for mothers such as nursing tea, which contains herbs like fennel and catnip, which have been known to help with milk production.
Herbal supplements are also a great way to stay energized while breastfeeding, as they do not contain caffeine and they can provide the needed nutrients and vitamins that mothers need while breastfeeding. Supplements such as fish oil, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 are known to be beneficial for nursing mothers. They provide energy, and in some cases, can even increase milk production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking decaf coffee should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers, as the caffeine can still pass through the milk to the baby. Decaf coffee can also contain trace amounts of caffeine. It is important for mothers to research brands and for them to consider their individual metabolization of caffeine when deciding how much to drink. There are also other alternatives to caffeine such as herbal teas and supplements that can provide the energy boost needed during lactation.
