The Basics of Brewing Breastfeeding-Safe Coffee
When breastfeeding, it’s always important to be mindful of how much caffeine you are taking in. It’s important to always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before consuming any amount of caffeine. While caffeine is not universally prohibited while breastfeeding, excessive caffeine intake can pose problems for both the baby and the mother.
Coffee is one of the most common sources of caffeine in the American diet, and that generally includes when breastfeeding. So exactly how much coffee can a breastfeeding mother safely drink? Studies on this topic are inconclusive, though it has been generally recommended that expecting and breastfeeding mothers keep their coffee intake to three cups (or the equivalent marker) a day. This amount should provide the mother with no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is considered the safe limit for breastfeeding.
Gradual Cuts in Caffeine Consumption
It’s important to note that caffeine consumption can vary from person to person, and that expecting and breastfeeding mothers should take precautions to account for their own differences. For instance, some people may be sensitive to caffeine’s stimulative properties. That said, all expecting and breastfeeding mothers should keep their caffeine consumption relatively low.
If a mother has been consuming more than the suggested limit of 200 milligrams per day, it is best to gradually cut down the consumption, rather than stopping altogether. Going cold turkey may cause other problems, particularly if the body has been used to large amounts of caffeine consumption.
Caffeine’s Effect on Breastfed Babies
It is believed that caffeine can pass through both breast milk and the placenta, though the risks and implications are still being disputed by medical professionals. However, one thing that is certain is that caffeine can make the baby particularly jittery and irritable, though this can vary from infant to infant.
These effects are most likely to occur in milk with higher caffeine content. For instance, one 2017 study found that milk with over 400 milligrams of caffeine per liter was linked to restlessness and occasional spitting up from the infant. Though anything below the 400-marker is considered safe, the “safer” limit remains 200 milligrams per liter.
Alternatives to Coffee and Caffeine
Though coffee is widely consumed, it isn’t the only source of energy and a boost throughout the day. For example, non-caffeinated varieties of tea, such as chamomile, are considered safe to consume while breastfeeding.
In addition, breastfeeding parents can also get their energy from foods like sandwiches, energy bars, fresh fruit, or peanut butter toast. All of these are considered safe to consume while breastfeeding and provide energy and vitamins to the breastfeeding parent.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Despite the precautionary measures that breastfeeding parents should take to ensure a safe caffeine consumption for their baby, studies have shown that breastfeeding can be beneficial to the mother and baby.
Breastfeeding is known to help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, SIDS, and diabetes, as well as provide numerous health benefits to the mother like lower risk of hypertension and ovarian cancer.
Managing Cravings and Intake
Cravings are common during and after pregnancy and can cause added stress for breastfeeding mothers, particularly if caffeine is involved. Taking measures to manage cravings is an important part of maintaining a low intake of caffeine while breastfeeding.
In situations like these, the best advice is to turn to sources of support like family, friends, or doctors. Manage coffee intake by decreasing intake slowly and steadily, and substitute coffee with other options like chamomile tea or fresh fruit.
Expiration Dates on Breast Milk
In addition to being mindful about caffeine, breastfeeding parents should also be aware of the expiration dates of breast milk. Fresh breast milk typically lasts for four to six hours in the fridge and up to seventy-two hours in the freezer. It’s important to note that the expiration dates on the milk can vary depending on the freshness and the storage environment.
Some helpful tips include storing the milk at the back of the refrigerator and discarding the milk after an hour if left out of the fridge. It’s also helpful to use the oldest packets first and label each packet with its expiration date.
Detecting Allergies
Allergies are a potential hazard of breastfeeding, and detecting allergies is important. To do so, the mother should pay close attention to the baby’s symptoms. If the baby shows signs of a food allergy like fussiness, vomiting, or rashes, it’s best to see a doctor for further investigation. The doctor may recommend an elimination diet or other tests to determine the cause of any allergies.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Coffee Consumption
Still, mothers should be mindful of the potential risks of coffee consumption when breastfeeding. Studies have shown that maternal coffee consumption is associated with lower birth weight and an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
Though coffee can provide a much-needed energy boost for breastfeeding moms, it should be done with caution. As long as the mother follows the recommended limits of no more than 200 milligrams per day, they will likely be safe to drink coffee while breastfeeding.
Coffee Intake During Pregnancy
When pregnant, it’s always important to be mindful of food and beverage intake, particularly when it comes to coffee. Studies have suggested that women who drink more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day during pregnancy may be more likely to have a miscarriage or preterm birth.
Though it is recommended to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy, there are safe ways to consume coffee while pregnant. For instance, switching out filter-coffee for decaffeinated is a recommended way to cut down on caffeine intake.
Breastfeeding and Caffeine’s Diuretic Effects
Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which means it encourages the body to produce urine. When it comes to breastfeeding and the production of breastmilk, it is important to be mindful of the effects of caffeine.
Studies have suggested that caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration, and this can lead to a reduction in milk production. So, it is always important to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day after consuming caffeine, to ensure the body is properly hydrated.
Weighing the Benefits of Moderation
Caffeine, while not inherently dangerous to breastfed babies, always has to be consumed with caution. As always, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should first consult with their healthcare provider before consuming any caffeine.
When moderated and kept below the recommended 200 milligrams a day, coffee can provide much-needed energy for breastfeeding mothers. It can be a great boost to a breastfeeding mother’s diet and energy levels. At the same time, caffeine should be balanced, and those levels should be monitored in order to provide the best care for the baby, and keep troubles to the minimum.
