Can You Drink Coffee When Nursing?
Coffee has long been a beloved part of millions of people’s daily routines. Caffeine can give a much-needed boost to get through a long day of work or a much-needed chance to pause and savour the moment during a relaxing morning. However, one group of people in particular may have to rethink their coffee routine. Nursing mothers may find themselves wondering if they are still able to enjoy a warm cup of their favourite beverage.
All of this is for very good reason; caffeine enters the bloodstream rapidly, and in turn enters the baby’s bloodstream. This can lead to sleeplessness and fussiness in the infant. Seniors from the American Academy of Pediatrics warn nursing mothers to limit their daily caffeine intake to 300 milligrams per day. Many studies, such as this one by The American College of Nurse-Midwives, suggest that caffeine can pass through breast milk to infants and can pass through to the placenta via direct bloodstream contact with the mother.
Naturally, nursing mothers and those who are pregnant may have the same initial reaction of shock at the thought of not being able to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages. However, there may be a few strategies to still enjoy coffee in moderation. Some experts suggest that avoiding coffee and other stimulants before 2 pm, drinking only 1-2 cups per day, avoiding caffeine drinks after 2 pm and/or rinsing off nipples after drinking coffee may help reduce the amount of caffeine that is transferred to the baby.
Some mothers switch to decaffeinated coffee; however, even decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine. Furthermore, switching to decaffeinated coffee can present the opportunity to evaluate how coffee affects the mother’s body. Drinking beverages like herbal tea, which offer many of the same calming effects of coffee without any caffeine content, is also an option for nursing mothers.
An often overlooked point when talking about consuming coffee while nursing is the emotional toll that not drinking coffee can have on a nursing mother. Struggling to adjust to a new routine or lifestyle that may appear drastic and restrictive can hit a nursing mother hard, who may already be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by their new responsibilities and childcare duties.
A 2019 study conducted by Marie Monpetit in France identifies that “many nursing women drink coffee for emotional reasons and the need for a (social) break,” making it an important part of their sense of “wellbeing and restfulness.” Many expert sources urge nursing mothers to be aware of the facts and use the strategies outlined above to drink coffee in moderation, as this often offers a sense of emotional security and comfort that comes from having something familiar to cling to. After all, it is all about maintaining a compassionate balance between focusing on the mothers’ emotional needs and the safety and needs of their children.
Balancing Caffeine and Breastfeeding
The amount of caffeine in coffee, tea and other beverages, is usually related to the way it is prepared. A large cup of coffee, as an example could have three times more caffeine than a small one. The sensitivity to caffeine is sometimes related to genetic factors, body mass index and age, so it is worth to observe the reactions of each baby when it comes to caffeine.
The best option is to consult a specialist health care provider for special guidance tailored to each family. He or she can provide the nursing mother with more detailed knowledge about the amount of such drinks that can be safely consumed while breastfeeding. It is also possible to find caffeine-free drinks with a similar taste and make them part of the routine.
In general, it is best to omit caffeinated beverages from nursing mothers’ diets as much as possible, but it may not always be possible to completely avoid caffeine. Nursing mothers simply need to be thoughtful about the amount and timing of caffeine beverages and be aware of the symptoms of too much caffeine in the baby.
When the baby starts to show the effects of caffeine, it is helpful to try to reduce those by drinking more water and even pumping and discarding breast milk after drinking a caffeinated beverage. As long as the mother is mindful and consults her doctor or lactation specialist they should be able to find a balance between enjoying the occasional caffeinated beverage and ensuring the safety and comfort of the child.
What Are the Benefits of Cutting Caffeine Out of Your Diet?
Although there are sometimes when reducing or eliminating caffeine from the diet is necessary, there are many beneficial outcomes that come with it. Avoiding too much caffeine can help avoid issues such as insomnia and can also help reduce risks of cancer or high blood pressure.
Not consuming caffeine also can benefit individuals in physical terms, caffeine can reduce appetite and can also lead to gastrointestinal issues. People who cut down on caffeine or eliminate it have a positive outcome with increased energy levels, improved alertness and better quality sleep.
Not having the electrical signals that caffeine stimulates in the body can also help with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as providing physical benefits like better hydration levels and a decrease in headaches.
Cutting down on caffeine can also help when it comes to oral health, it can help reduce teeth grinding, due to the insomnia caused by the frequent consumption of energy drinks. Additionally, when reducing caffeine can also be beneficial for kidney health, as it is an effective diuretic.
Overall, reducing caffeine intake is beneficial to both the mother and baby, but it is important to remember that it’s okay to indulge in moderation. So, if a mother finds herself hankering for a cup, one cup per day is unlikely to harm a baby, but she should be mindful of the time window she drinks it in.
Can Caffeine Be Substituted by Healthy Drinks?
In order to make healthier choices, caffeine in coffee can be replaced by alternative ingredients like activated charcoal or caffeine free herbal teas, like known as yerba mate. Furthermore, hot cocoas can be a great way of getting a much-needed comfort during cold days. Additionally, ingredients such as turmeric or ginger are great options to keep the body warm and recovered and helps with anti-inflammatory.
Alinda-rich beverages such as coconut water can also be a great option for maintaining energy. Due to its high potassium and electrolyte content, it can be an excellent source for hydration and assist with sugar cravings.
Fruit juice can also be integrated in the diet for nursing mothers as a substitute for caffeine. Lemons, oranges, grapefruits and cranberries are some of the best options due to its vitamin C, B and anti-inflammatory content. Combinations like apple and sage or cucumber and blueberries can also be very refreshing drinks that can also be enjoyed all year round.
Replacing coffee with herbal teas has already a long tradition in many cultures as long-established calming drinks like chamomile, rooibos, anise and mint. All of them contain different vitamins and minerals but are free of caffeine. Nettle and raspberry leaves are known to help increase milk output, which is something worth considering for new mothers.
Can Coffee Drinks Be Enjoyed While Nursing?
Yes, a nursing mother can enjoy coffee drinks while nursing, as long as it is done in moderation. Caffeine is passed on to infants through the mother’s milk and can affect the baby’s sleeping cycle. Therefore, it is advised for nursing mothers to limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 packets per day.
Some strategies to enjoy coffee drinks safely are to avoid drinking coffee before 2 pm, limit the cups to one or two per day, avoid caffeine drinks after 2 pm and rinse off nipples after drinking coffee. Additionally, some nursing mothers opt for decaffeinated coffee, as it still contains small amounts of caffeine. Changing regular beverages to herbal teas is another healthier way to get some of the calming effects of coffee without caffeine content.
When a mother decides to have a coffee drink while nursing, it is important to be mindful of the symptoms of too much caffeine on the baby. If the baby shows signs of caffeine, a mother needs to reduce the amount of caffeine by drinking more water and even discarding the milk pumped after drinking a caffeinated beverage.
Finding a balance between enjoying coffee in moderation and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the baby can be a difficult task but consulting a specialist health care provider for more detailed guidance tailored to each family is always a great option. Ultimately, being aware and making conscious decisions can help nursing mothers find the balance between their emotional needs and the safety of their child.
