When it comes to pregnancy and parenting, there are so many decisions and debates that come up regarding nutrition, health and lifestyle habits that can make the process of welcoming a newborn a bit of a minefield. Drinking coffee during pregnancy and after childbirth is one thing that many parents have concerns about and for good reason. Coffee contains caffeine—a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system—and there is discussion about the effect drinking coffee. One of the main questions is whether or not it affects breastfeeding.
Caffeine is not believed to accumulate in breast milk, and some studies indicate that the amount that might end up in the milk is too little to be of any concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture both recommend that breastfeeding mothers can consume some caffeine without worrying about passing it to their infants in their milk.
That said, many experts recommend caution when it comes to caffeine during breastfeeding. Dr Peter Nathanielsz, professor emeritus of obstetrics/gynecology and neurology/neuroscience at the University of California, Davis, and author of the research book Pregnancy and the Developing Child: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice, recommends limiting caffeine intake to 500 milligrams a day—equivalent to about five cups of coffee.
Part of the reason for this recommendation is that caffeine can affect an infant’s sleep and feeding patterns. Caffeine is a diuretic and can also cause acid reflux and other digestive issues, which can make a baby uncomfortable and interfere with everyday activities. Additionally, a breastfeeding mother’s consumption of caffeine has been linked to colic and restlessness in her baby.
It’s also important to note that even moderate caffeine consumption can affect the amount of milk you produce. Studies have shown that drinking three or more cups of coffee a day can reduce milk production. This can make breastfeeding difficult and could result in an undernourished child.
Sleep and Tiredness
One of the biggest benefits of drinking coffee while breastfeeding is the energy boost it provides. For many women, coffee helps with lingering fatigue that comes with being a new mom. While it is beneficial to keep sleep deprivation away, excessive coffee consumption can have a negative effect on sleep quality and have the potential to create a dependency for coffee for daily boosts. This caffeine dependency can easily tip the careful balance between exhaustion and alertness that new moms are trying to navigate.
Consuming caffeine can also worsen insomnia in some people because of its effects on the body. The concern here is that even the occasional coffee can disrupt your baby’s nighttime sleep and cause them to wake up frequently throughout the night.
It’s not just coffee that contains caffeine. Millions of women turn to energy drinks and soda to re-energize. Although these don’t offer much benefit nutritionally, caffeine does have a physiological effect on the body, so should also be taken into consideration as a source of caffeine.
Mother’s Health
Drinking coffee isn’t the only concern when it comes to breastfeeding. The mother’s overall health and wellbeing are just as important and should be considered when making any decision. Too much caffeine, or any substance, can reduce the physical and emotional energy needed for a new parent.
Caffeine consumption can cause a lot of unforeseen difficulties during pregnancy and as a new postpartum parent. High levels of caffeine can lead to dehydration and can increase feelings of anxiety, which can be overwhelming. For this reason, it’s important to speak to your doctor or midwife if you are unsure of the proper amount of caffeine to consume while breastfeeding.
Alternative Beverages
While caffeine has the potential to be beneficial, moderation is key. There are a number of caffeine-free alternatives that provide a boost of energy without the associated risk. Some examples of these are smoothies and juices, herbal teas and even some soft drinks. Bear in mind that these types of drinks often contain sugar, which can also be an issue if you are breastfeeding.
Caffeine-free beverages have nutritional benefits, too. Some of the best for breastfeeding moms include smoothies, which can contain ingredients like spinach, kale and coconut milk. The high content of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats found in these drinks will provide sustenance for the mom and their baby.
Importance of Balanced Diet
Nutritionists always emphasize the importance of a balanced diet when nursing, and the same holds true when considering coffee while breastfeeding. Coffee is not necessarily bad, but moderation is key. Caffeine can be beneficial in small doses, but in large doses, it can create a dependency, as well as health problems that can affect the mother and the baby.
It’s essential to take your own needs and lifestyle into account when it comes to making decisions about consuming caffeine while breastfeeding. Speak with your health-care provider to ensure that any changes you make do not negatively affect your breastfeeding. This is the best way to help ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.
Coffee and Baby’s Growth
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume moderate amounts of caffeine. This means about two to three cups of caffeinated beverages a day. While the amount of caffeine that is present in breastmilk is very small, some research has shown that high levels of caffeine can have an effect on a baby’s growth. Babies who are exposed to very high levels of caffeine in breastmilk have been seen to have slower growth than babies who had not been exposed.
To minimize the risk of these effects, mothers should limit the amount of coffee they drink while breastfeeding and should not mix caffeine with formula or other supplements. It is also important to note that caffeine is present in a variety of foods, drinks, and medicines, so it is important to read the labels of anything that you are consuming while breastfeeding.
Coffee and Excessive Stimulation
In addition to physical and psychological effects, coffee can have an effect on a baby’s level of stimulation. Some research suggests that caffeine can increase the level of stimulation in an infant, which can lead to difficulty sleeping and problems with concentration. This can be hard for a new mom to deal with, as an overstimulated baby can prove to be quite a handful. It is important to note that caffeine has been shown to have different effects on different babies, so it is important to be aware of your baby’s individual responses.
The best way to know if your consumption of coffee is excessive is to monitor your baby’s behavior. If your baby is excessively fussy, irritable, or having difficulty sleeping, it could be a side effect of the caffeine.
Final Considerations
Overall, it is important to consider all risks of consuming caffeine while breastfeeding. While it is sometimes helpful, it is important to keep in mind that excessive consumption can affect the health of both mother and baby. Any decision regarding caffeine consumption should be made in consultation with your health-care provider or certified lactation consultant.
It is also important to note that there is no one definitive answer when it comes to caffeine and breastfeeding. Most of the research is just that—research. As with any decision, the best approach is to take into account your own needs and the needs of your baby and make the best decision for your unique situation.