Can I Drink Coffee After Giving Birth?
Having a baby is a life changing journey, and can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. As a new mom, the decisions she makes can have an impact on not just her own health, but also the well-being of her newborn. Drinking coffee is a routine for many people and a recent question that has arisen is – Can I drink coffee after giving birth?
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, and long-term use can lead to dependency and health risks such as anxiety, heightened insomnia, digestive problems and cardiac issues. With the introduction of a new baby, having the needed energy to keep up with the new demands can be quite challenging. That’s why managing caffeine intake with a new baby is so important.
Lauren Miller, an obstetrician at The Women’s Hospital in Indiana, talks about the importance of maintaining a reasonable and healthy level of caffeine intake for new mothers: “Caffeine is a common substance that many women use to keep up with the demands of their new life; however, we encourage not to exceed more than 300mg of caffeine per day. That’s about two 8-ounce cups of coffee in one day.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends that women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200mg a day, but Miller recommends a slightly more lenient daily intake. However, Miller still reiterates the importance of monitoring and staying within the recommended daily coffee amounts during pregnancy and after birth. While caffeine during pregnancy is a hot topic, many health benefits and risks are still being researched.
Miller advises that for new mothers who are considering drinking coffee it should be done with caution. She explains:
“Caffeine crosses the placental barrier and can lead to many long-term consequences for your baby, so it’s best to minimize any risks associated with it. We also encourage breastfeeding moms to limit their caffeine intake as it can be stressful for the baby and can cause trouble falling asleep at night.”
Given the potentially dangerous effects, Miller encourages her patients to keep their caffeine intake to a minimum, which means avoiding coffee and other caffeinated beverages after the baby arrives. Although, caffeine cannot be completely avoided during a pregnancy, maintaining a healthy level during and following pregnancy can lead to healthier and longer-term benefits such as an increased energy level throughout the day.
What Are The Alternatives?
The idea of avoiding coffee altogether may shock new mothers, as it is perhaps one of the main sources of energy they have known while growing up. While it is important to reduce coffee consumption, there are other ways to get energy and keep up with the new demands of parenthood. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is one of the best ways to achieve it. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and complex carbohydrates such as nuts, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help maintain good energy levels throughout the day.
As Miller explains “A balanced diet is key for any new mother and for breastfed babies in general. Eating an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins help provide the much-needed energy to keep up with the demands of motherhood.” Additionally, drinking plenty of water is also important. Dehydration is one of the most common sources of fatigue.
Getting rest throughout the day is also important, as well as getting help when possible. Asking friends and family for help with the baby can reduce stress and can make a new mom’s life a lot easier. Taking a moment for herself is also important.
Is It Possible To Have A Coffee Drinking Ritual?
Miller explains that even though having caffeine is discouraged after giving birth, having a ritual can help new mothers enjoy the taste of coffee while still being mindful of the recommended limits. “Coffee is a beloved beverage and sometimes having a special way to drink it can help a new mother feel connected with her regular lifestyle,” Miller said. Small habits such as making a single cup with French Press or investing in a 15 bar espresso machine can help make the process of drinking coffee special and help the mother’s daily workflow.
Finally, getting out of the house and having a coffee with a friend or family member can bring feelings of happiness and relaxation. Enjoying the moment can provide extra energy that the body needs.
How Does It Affect A Breastfed Baby?
The effects of caffeine on a baby can be different from one baby to another. As caffeine is not ideal for children, breastfed babies can be particularly at risk for its effects as the caffeine can pass through the mother’s milk. As mentioned earlier, Miller recommends that new mothers avoid drinking coffee after giving birth and to limit the caffeine intake in general. The ACOG recommends avoiding caffeine entirely when breastfeeding.
Coffee can have certain effects on the baby’s sleep cycle. Many experts agree that the primary downsides of drinking coffee while breastfeeding are associated with the sleep trouble the baby can experience. Caffeine found in coffee can disrupt a baby’s sleep cycle and make it difficult for them to settle down during bedtime. If the mother needs more energy during breastfeeding sessions, Miller recommends reaching out for snacks that are high in proteins and complex carbohydrates as well as adding other low-caffeine drinks such as chicory coffee or green tea.
Are There Any Benefits To Drinking Coffee?
Interestingly, a recent study conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) brings to light that there could be some potential benefits to drinking coffee or any other food or beverage containing caffeine in moderation. The ACOG study reveals that drinking up to 200mg of caffeine a day can reduce the risk of certain conditions such as developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and delivering a low-birth-weight baby. This data reflects that there could be potential health benefits from caffeine consumption during and after pregnancy.
Drinking coffee in moderation can be beneficial for new mothers, as caffeine can help with fatigue and improve overall energy levels. But, even though this new data offers some potential benefits when it comes to coffee consumption, it is important to keep in mind that further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects. As a result, it is important to consult a doctor when deciding how much coffee to drink.
When Is It Safe To Drink Coffee After Giving Birth?
Ideally, new mothers should avoid coffee altogether after giving birth. Newborns’ bodies are still developing and they cannot take in caffeine like adults. As it takes time for the caffeine to leave their bloodstream, the effects of caffeine can be heightened and can result in various health problems.
The decision of when to introduce coffee to a newborn should be made with the advice of a healthcare professional. While many moms prefer to wait until the newborn is at least four to six months old, others wait until after the first year in order to minimize any potential risks for the baby that might result from the caffeine.
Conclusion
Can I drink coffee after giving birth? While there are potential risks and benefits to consuming coffee, it is important to take into consideration its potential long-term impacts. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions when it comes to introducing caffeine to your newborn. Overall, new mothers should focus on consuming a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting help when possible and taking a moment for herself during the day.
