Is Coffee Ok to Drink While Breastfeeding
Many breastfeeding moms wonder if it is safe to consume coffee while nursing a newborn. Coffee offers a taste of energy and pleasure for many people, but for new mothers, the fear of any beverage impacting the quality of milk for their baby is perfectly understandable. In order to answer this question it is important to look at the existing evidence, which has conflicting results.
One study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 1989, looking at caffeine intake in breastfeeding from ten countries, found that it had a significantly higher association with the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Whereas, a meta-analysis conducted in 2005, analysing various studies and data, found no concrete evidence that caffeine intake would be linked with SIDS.
In terms of caffeine intake, it is generally considered safe to consume one or two cups of caffeinated coffee while breastfeeding. As long as the caffeine is limited, any adverse effects on the baby due to the caffeine in the mother’s milk are likely minimal. That said, caffeine is known to enter breast milk within 30 minutes of the mother consuming it, so all the precautions and recommendations should be followed.
Trying to keep to the low end, by having 1 to 2 cups of caffeinated coffee a day, is suitable for most nursing mothers. Doctor-recommended guidelines suggest breastfeeding mothers maximize their intake of healthy and nutritious foods, and minimize caffeine consumption. In addition, it is important to avoid other stimulants such as chocolate and energy drinks, as these can interfere with the quality of a mother’s milk.
On the other hand, some mothers drink more than two cups of coffee a day and do not experience any apparent side-effects in their baby. It all depends on the caffeine tolerance of the baby and the mother. If their baby shows signs of irritability, sleeplessness, and restlessness, then they should consider reducing the caffeine consumption while breastfeeding.
Does Caffeine Reduce The Quality In Milk?
Caffeine ingested by a mother through coffee or any other sources of caffeine will eventually pass into her breastmilk. It is usually found in breast milk in a smaller quantity than what was originally consumed, but even then it has the potential to affect the baby’s nervous system. The American Academy of Pediatrics claims that the quality and nutrition of the milk is not affected due to the presence of caffeine, however, caffeine can act as a mild stimulant for the baby and cause some disturbance in the baby’s sleeping schedule.
Nursing mothers should not be concerned so much about a reduction in the quantity of milk, but more about the quality of milk that the baby is consuming. As long as the caffeine consumption is limited, the safety of the baby cannot be compromised.
Breastfeeding is a very precious moment for mothers to bond with their babies, and by purely monitoring and understanding their baby’s feeding pattern, mothers can decide if their babies are comfortable with the consumption of caffeine. If they detect any discomfort or agitation, they can limit their caffeine consumption, or even quit it entirely if they wish.
Conclusion
For mothers who do drink coffee, it is best to take it in moderation and not surpass the 1 or 2 cups of caffeine per day mark. It may cause some sleepless nights, but if done within the suggested dosage, coffee should not pose any major problems. No two mothers and babies are the same and if mothers feel uncomfortable with the idea of consuming coffee while breastfeeding, they should not be pressured into it.
Potential Effects On The Baby
Caffeine can cross into breast milk, however, it is not very bioactive and passes quickly, with most of it removed from the milk within 3 hours. The amount that is consumed by the baby through milk is much less than most other everyday medications. After digesting caffeine, the baby may be less interactive and have difficulty in sleeping.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if the mother does not increase her daily caffeine intake above 300-400 milligrams per day (which would be a maximum of two cups of coffee a day) it should not cause any trouble for the baby.
Associate With Other Risks
Although caffeine in moderate amounts is not considered to be risky of breastfeeding mothers, some studies suggest that high intakes of caffeine are more likely to be associated with other risks. It is thought that excessive caffeine in breastmilk can have an effect on the baby’s central nervous system and lead to irritability, excessive crying, and sleeplessness.
Additionally, mothers who drink a large amount of coffee may face an increased risk of dehydration, which can eventually cause a drop in their milk supply. For these reasons, mothers should be mindful of their caffeine intake and its potential risks.
How To Reduce Caffeine Intake
Several steps can be taken to reduce caffeine intake while breastfeeding. One way to reduce the amount of caffeine in the body is to drink decaffeinated coffee in place of regular coffee. Additionally, mothers are encouraged to drink plenty of water and watch drinking coffee late in the day to help reduce disruption to their and/or their baby’s sleeping patterns.
Another helpful option is to reduce a mother’s coffee intake slowly. The goal is for the baby to get used to smaller quantities of coffee at the time so that consuming coffee wouldn’t cause any changes in the baby’s behaviour. Lastly, coffee can be replaced with other beverages such as herbal tea and fruit juice.
Caffeine Alternatives For Breastfeeding Mothers
Staying hydrated is important for every mother, now more than ever. In addition to water, some herbal teas and fruit juices have no caffeine and can be consumed while breastfeeding. Herbal teas can be flavoured with natural ingredients such as oranges, apples and cinnamon, not only adding to the taste, but also providing additional nutrition.
In terms of solid foods, oatmeal and avocado blended with banana or yoghurt can provide essential nutrition and offer a better alternative to added sugars and caffeine which are found in standard snacks.
The Impact Of Genetics On Caffeine Sensitivity
Due to genetics, some babies might be more sensitive to caffeine than others. In such cases, breastfeeding mothers should monitor their baby carefully, as he/she may feel the effects of caffeine such as restlessness, difficulty in sleeping and excessive crying. If caffeine affects the baby in this manner, it is important to reduce the intake accordingly.
Some doctors suggest breastfeeding mother to reduce their caffeine consumption to 0-1 cups of coffee per day. In addition, caffeine sensitivity may vary from one baby to another, and this should also be taken into account. It is also important for nursing mothers to be aware of the different sources of caffeine, so that they can adjust their caffeine intake as required.
Caffeine Intake From Other Sources
In addition to coffee, there are several other sources of caffeine that nursing mothers need to be aware of. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains significantly more caffeine than coffee. Soft drinks and energy drinks are also loaded with caffeine and should be avoided if breastfeeding mothers are looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
Caffeine can also be found in several over-the-counter or prescription medications, so it is always a good idea to check the label of any medication before initiating or continuing with the use. Furthermore, some supplements for nursing mothers also contain caffeine and additional stimulants, so reading the label is important.
The Bottom Line
Generally, coffee in moderation is considered to be safe for both the mother and the baby. However, if the mother is nursing a baby who seems to be sensitive to caffeine, it may be a good idea for her to reduce her consumption or replace it with decaffeinated tea or other beverages without caffeine. Additionally, remembering to check medication and supplement labels could also help to regulate the caffeine consumption.
