Every mother has her own style to cope with her new role as a mother. Some of them are comfortable breastfeeding first and then having coffee or vice versa, while others prefer to abstain from the daily consumption of caffeine. Whatever the case may be, understanding the risks and benefits of drinking coffee while breastfeeding is important.
As a fundamental rule, most healthcare professionals suggest avoiding caffeine consumption while breastfeeding. That’s because, although measured amounts of caffeine can be beneficial, excessive consumption of coffee and other drinks with caffeine can have a negative effect on babies. In such cases, the infant can have sleeping difficulties, poor eating habits and suffer from irritability.
However, a moderate amount of caffeine is generally considered safe during breastfeeding. Experts recommend new mothers to drink no more than 300mg of caffeine daily, which is equivalent to around three cups of black-unfiltered coffee. Other caffeinated drinks like green tea, soda and chocolate would also be counted in this sum. Moreover, mothers should know that the caffeine in these drinks takes about two and a half hours to be fully metabolized and eliminated from the body, so trying to go to sleep should be done only after a gap of at least two hours of the last cup of caffeine consumed.
When it comes to important decisions, like when and how many caffeine drinks to have, consulting with a physician is always recommended. With the help of a doctor, new mothers can create unique plans that take into consideration their lifestyle and will suit the needs of their babies.
In addition, mothers should monitor their babies’ behavior in the presence of caffeine. Does their baby appear unusually distressed or has signs of restlessness? If so, it’s best to avoid caffeine, or at least reduce its intake. Moreover, mothers should keep in mind that even small amounts of caffeine can disrupt babies, so it’s best to stick to low caffeine drinks like decaffeinated ones or just a simple cup of herbal tea.
In conclusion, managing caffeine intake while breastfeeding depends on each mother and their unique situation. Although drinking moderate amounts of coffee while breastfeeding may be harmless to the baby, consulting with a doctor is highly recommended. As long as mothers are aware of their daily intake, they can realize the true level of caffeine in their body and adjust it according to their needs.
Effects of Caffeine on Different Age Group
Caffeine is a diuretic and its effects can increase with age. For example, infants’ bodies clear caffeine from their systems six times more slowly than adults, making them more susceptible to its effects. As babies grow older, their bodies become more efficient at clearing the caffeine from their systems. However, given the potential adverse effects on newborns, caffeine consumption should always be taken into consideration when breastfeeding.
When it comes to adults, moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, though it’s important to note that pregnant women, women who are trying to become pregnant, nursing mothers, and those with certain health conditions should talk to a doctor before drinking coffee or other beverages with caffeine.
The short-term effects of caffeine consumption include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased alertness and energy, increased body temperature, increased respiration rate, decreased sensitivity to pain, diminished appetite, improved reaction time, and improved cognitive performance.
On the other hand, long-term consumption of caffeine can cause dehydration, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, headaches, and stomach upset. People should also be aware that regular consumption of caffeine can lead to a sudden decrease in alertness and energy when caffeine levels drop, a phenomenon known as “caffeine withdrawal.”
Whether caffeine consumption should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers or moderated depends on the individual case. It is best for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider for more information about the potential risks and benefits of caffeine consumption.
Caffeine Intolerance
Given its stimulatory effects, caffeine is not safe for everyone. Those who suffer from certain medical conditions including heart palpitations, anxiety, and other cardiovascular disorders should avoid caffeine altogether. In addition, those with a family history of heart problems or those with a low tolerance to caffeine should limit their caffeine consumption.
Some individuals also have a genetic predisposition to becoming caffeine intolerant. Those with this condition tend to suffer from headaches, tachycardia, nervousness and anxiety, and difficulty in concentrating, among other symptoms, when they consume caffeine.
In cases when someone is not sure of their caffeine tolerance level, it is recommended to start with small amounts and observe the reaction that their body has, to determine if there is any intolerant reaction. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that caffeine tolerance and metabolic rate vary from individual to individual, so individuals should not compare the amounts of caffeine consumed with others, but follow the moderate amount that’s established by experts, taking into consideration the individual’s health background and lifestyle.
Caffeine and Breast Milk
Most mothers who enjoy drinking coffee wonder if their babies will be affected by the caffeine in their milk. This can be a worry, but research has indicated that babies ingest very minimal amounts of caffeine, as it is absorbed through their digestive system. Studies show that when a nursing mother drinks moderate amounts of caffeine while breastfeeding, the levels of caffeine found in their breast milk are too low to cause any harm to the baby. In other words, the concentration of caffeine in the bloodstream of an infant as a result of its consumption through breastfeeding, is too low to cause any harm.
It is important to keep in mind that while consuming moderate amounts of caffeine while breastfeeding is considered to be generally safe, the baby’s behavior is the best indicator of possible discomfort. If mothers notice that their baby reacts adversely to a meal, it could be a sign that their intake of caffeine needs to be adjusted.
Storing and Reusing Breast Milk
For mothers who are worried about the effects that coffee could have on their baby, especially if they drink a lot of it, there is another option to consider. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator and reused for up to 8 hours, depending on the time and temperature of the room, or in the freezer for up to 4 – 6 months. Pumping excess milk can also help reduce the amount of caffeine flowing through their milk. As an additional precaution, mothers can also save a portion of their milk before they drink coffee so that it can be mixed with coffee-free milk, if needed.
The best rule of thumb for mothers who are looking for the best breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babe is to be aware of their daily intake of caffeine and look for signs of distress in their baby.
The Potential Benefits of Caffeine
Though there are risks associated with drinking coffee while breastfeeding, there are still potential benefits to be gained. The moderate consumption of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of coffee per day, can help new mothers stay alert and alertness is important for both the mother and the baby. Additionally, research indicates that moderate consumption of coffee has the potential to reduce the risk of postpartum depression or PPD, a type of depression which can start right after giving birth and last up to one year.
Moreover, caffeine consumption can boost the body’s metabolism and can help speed up the postpartum weight loss process. For busy mothers, doubling up on the benefits can make a difference in their time efficiency, as a higher metabolism can give a much-needed energy boost.
Different studies have also shown that consuming caffeine can also affect different hormones in the body and potentially make a woman’s periods more regular. For women who suffer from amenorrhea, a condition in which the woman does not menstruate, studies suggest that drinking caffeine can help the menstrual cycle return.
Overall, different factors need to be taken into consideration when it comes to deciding whether to drink coffee or not while breastfeeding, such as the specific health of the mother and the baby, the amount of caffeine consumed, and the mother’s lifestyle. It is important to remember that it is always preferable to consult a healthcare professional before making any radical changes in diet while breastfeeding.
