Benefits of Drinking Coffee While Breastfeeding
Coffee drinkers and nursing mothers often have conflicting concerns about the safety of their caffeine intake. While some studies have suggested that high levels of caffeine could have an adverse effect on a baby’s development, moderate amounts of the natural energy source can be beneficial. Research shows that the right amount of coffee can even support a breastfeeding woman’s diet, making it easier to produce enough milk for her baby.
For a new mom, coffee can be both a beneficial and an indulgent beverage. The substance contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help to combat fatigue and aid in the body’s recovery process. Additionally, caffeine boosts alertness and concentration, allowing a new mom to remain productive and engaged with her baby. However, because of its stimulant properties, it’s important for a breastfeeding mother to drink coffee in moderation.
Experts suggest that nursing women should cap their coffee intake at no more than three cups per day. Even this moderate amount of coffee should be consumed primarily during waking hours. This is because the stimulation from caffeine can cause the baby to wake frequently during the night, resulting in sub-par rest and a decrease in milk production. Therefore, while coffee can bring much-needed benefits to breastfeeding moms, like little energy boosts and increased focus, pregnant and nursing women should take precautions when drinking coffee in order to ensure both themselves and their babies are receiving the full spectrum of benefits.
Possible Negative Impacts of Drinking Coffee While Breastfeeding
Caffeine is a natural energy source, but ingesting too much can lead to jitteriness, headaches, and a racing heart rate. That’s why doctors recommend no more than one to two cups per day for nursing mothers, depending on their tolerance for the stimulant. Additionally, some research suggests that over-consumption can lead to reduced milk production, meaning a mother will be limited in the amount of milk she can provide for her baby.
Furthermore, the amount of caffeine from coffee that will get passed to the baby through the breast milk is variable. Generally, the baby will get about one-third of the amount of caffeine the mother consumes through her milk. Caffeinated food and medicines, like headache powders and certain sodas, can also increase the amount of caffeine present in a woman’s breast milk. Experts suggest limiting the overall intake of caffeine-containing drinks and foods in order to ensure the baby’s optimal health and optimal sleep patterns.
Nursing mothers should also be mindful of the ingredients they consume while breastfeeding. Some research suggests that some artificial sweeteners can make their way into a baby’s digestive system. Additionally, some natural energy sources, like unsweetened teas, can contain small amount of caffeine and might amend the amount that is passed through breast milk. That’s why it’s important for lactating women to be mindful of even the small mugs of coffee and cans of energy drinks which are consumed.
Cupping Habits of New Moms
A study conducted at the University of Illinois surveyed the morning beverage preferences of new mothers across the United States. Nearly 73.7 percent of the participants reached for coffee first. The participants provided detailed breakdowns of their entire caffeine consumption throughout the day and during late evening situations—a key time for the nursing baby’s sleep development. Most of the participants reported that they were aware of the consequences of too much caffeine and took precautions to avoid adding more stimulation to the baby’s development.
Of the individuals polled, only 3.2 percent reported they had additional stimulants, such as energy drinks, during the evening. This is surprisingly low when compared to the percentage of U.S. adults who drink energy drinks (27 percent). The data confirms the assumption that the majority of mothers who drink coffee understand the limits their diet imposes on the baby’s health and will select beverages with moderation to ensure the baby has a healthy development.
Coffee Consumption Over Time
It’s likely that the number of breastfeeding moms drinking coffee will grow over time. According to the National Coffee Association, 83 percent of Americans claim to drink coffee every day, and the average number of cups per person is 3.2. Interestingly, coffee consumption among the 18-24 age group has increased substantially over the past several years. In fact, the group’s day-to-day coffee drinking spiked from 63 percent in 2008 to 82 percent in 2018.
What’s driving the increase in coffee consumption isn’t clear. But, it’s likely due to the growing number of health-driven coffee beverages. Protein coffee, energy coffee, cold-brew coffee drinks are becoming increasingly more accessible and may even be contributing to reduce anxiety levels, increase energy, and boost overall productivity. It’s likely that breastfeeding mothers are also part of this increased coffee drinking trend, understanding that moderate amounts of the stimulant can actually help them efficiently care for their baby.
Wide Range of Quality Coffee Based Lactation Boosters
As the coffee drinking trend among new mothers continues to grow in popularity, businesses are customizing their offerings to capture the attention of lactating women who are looking to maximize their energy levels and nourish their babies. Coffee shops are beginning to feature “nursing-grade” lattes that offer more than energy. In most cases, the latte will contain healthful ingredients like oatmeal, nut milks, barley, and oat milk that can boost milk production. These lattes can also become special occasions for mothers, providing them with both physical and emotional nourishment.
In addition to lactation-focused coffee shops, specialty drinks are also available from supermarkets and the comfort of the home. The new generation of coffee products contains all natural, lactation-supporting ingredients like fennel, blessed thistle, goji berries, fenugreek and more. These holistic and delicious offerings are becoming increasingly available, sometimes even being offered as part of monthly subscription packages.
Tips for Drinking Coffee Safely
Experts advise that women should closely monitor their daily caffeine intake and aim for moderation when it comes to choosing coffee-based beverages. Coffee is a natural energy grocery, elevated in its numerous benefits when used wisely. Nursing moms should strive to drink coffee during the morning and afternoon, stopping one to two hours before bedtime. This is key in ensuring the baby’s melatonin-driven circadian rhythm is not disrupted.
Furthermore, breastfeeding women can try to drink cold-brewed coffee to which they can add naturally sweetened milk like almond or oat milk. Cold-brewed coffee is naturally less acidic and also contains lower levels of caffeine than a traditional Americano. It’s important, however, that women read the nutrition facts labels. This way, they can accurately calculate their caffeine intake and understand the amount of sugar present in their favorite beverage.
Selection of Organic and Ecological Coffee
These days, women can also find higher quality coffee selections that are both organic and ecological. There are even ethical coffee initiatives that prioritize sustainability, union wages, and better working conditions for farmers. Shopping for ethically sourced coffee might be helpful for nursing mothers who are trying to shop with greater purpose. Many of these offerings are developed with sophisticated coffee processes and are made from coffee beans from various parts of the world.
Generally, the ethical coffee movement is based on a model forced by the World Trade Organization, which sets standards for minimum trading, standards environmental sustainability and economic development. After all, part of being a good mother, is making sure that our planet and the people living in it, including the farmers and their land, are taken into consideration.
Conclusion: Moderation is Key
Overall, while coffee can offer great nutritional and energy benefits, it is best to drink it in moderation while breastfeeding. Mothers should be aware of the potential harmful effects of higher amounts of caffeine and the potential positive advantages of smaller amounts. Monitoring their coffee intake and selecting organic, ethical coffee is key in making sure their baby is receiving the full spectrum of benefits.
