Impact Of Drinking Coffee When Nursing
Coffee has long been known to be a beverage that can both energize and relax. For nursing mothers, the question then becomes whether or not it is OK to consume coffee or caffeinated beverages while feeding the baby. The impacts of drinking coffee while nursing are complex and still largely not understood.
In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) determined that nursing mothers should limit their consumption of caffeine, as well as other sources of stimulants such as energy drinks, to a total intake of no more than 200–300 milligrams a day, about 2–4 cups of coffee. At the same time, the AAP also indicated that minimal amounts of these beverages can pass into the baby’s milk, which can cause distress, sleep problems, and irritability.
But the actual impact of coffee on the quality of breast milk is still in debate. Some studies have found that substances within caffeinated beverages can interfere with developing brain chemistry and impact the baby negatively. Other studies have not been so definitive and showed no obvious differences in the breast milk of mothers who were drinking coffee while nursing compared to mothers who were not.
Ruth Lawrence, a professor of pediatrics at the University Of Rochester Medical Center in New York is an advocate for nursing mothers who would like to drink coffee. She states that “There’s no evidence that amounts small enough to reach a baby’s bloodstream will harm it, and recent research has found no difference in babies fed breast milk from mothers who consumed caffeinated beverages and those who didn’t”.
The effect of coffee and caffeine on the nursing mother is probably much more significant. Caffeine increases alertness and energy, but can also leave one feeling jittery and interfere with normal sleep patterns. For this reason, Sarah Kinsley, a professor of special education at Dartmouth College states, ““The effects of caffeine on nursing mothers is the real issue here. It’s important to remember that caffeine is a stimulant and can leave a mother feeling anxious and on edge”.
Effect On Mothers Milk Supply
When nursing mothers take caffeinated beverages, some studies indicate that it can reduce the supplies of milk. Caffeine causes milk supply to be slightly slower to increase and there is a decrease in milk production. It has been observed that when nursing mothers consume caffeinated beverages; milk production can be affected by as much as 20 percent.
Numerous studies have come to the conclusion that moderate consumption of caffeine however does not significantly reduce milk supply or have an effect on infant growth. If a woman originally had a high milk supply she may find that after moderate consumption of coffee, her milk supply will decrease by only 5 or 10 percent.
Overall, if a nursing mother is concerned about the impact of drinking coffee on her milk supply, she should limit her consumption to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day. The reality is that coffee does not decrease milk production as dramatically as alcohol but it is still wise for nursing mothers to be aware of the impact of coffee when nursing.
Reducing The Impact
If a nursing mom is looking to reduce the impacts of coffee on her breast milk, then she can opt for decAf coffee. It can even be beneficial to drink coffee containing some caffeine as it is still associated with improved alertness.
Ultimately though, it is important to understand that there are risks associated with drinking coffee while breastfeeding. While a small amount of coffee is not expected to cause harm, it’s best to avoid it or keep the servings to a minimum.
Nursing moms should also be aware that caffeine isn’t just in coffee; it can also show up in chocolate, tea, certain soft and energy drinks as well as certain over-the-counter medications. It is important to check for ingredients when consuming other forms of caffeine in order to keep within an acceptable limit for breastfeeding.
Effects On Baby’s Health
Caffeine has been studied for its potential health effects on babies. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there have been no conclusive results from these studies. However, many studies do agree that caffeine passes through breast milk and can, in some cases, cause problems such as irritability, jitteriness, and disturbed sleep.
Caffeine can also influence the level of anxiety in a baby. This increased anxiety can be observed both in infants who are directly exposed to caffeine and those who have been exposed through mothers’ breastmilk. A study by the National Institute of Environmental Medicine in Sweden found that babies exposed to caffeine through breastfeeding had higher cortisol levels than babies who were not. In a separate study of baby’s motor development, infants exposed to caffeine through their mother’s milk were found to have a slower development in fine motor skills, such as grasping and manipulating small objects.
While further research is needed to determine the exact effects of caffeine on the development of babies exposed through breastfeeding, many studies do agree that, like alcohol and other drugs, it is best to do everything possible to keep caffeine intake to a minimum and only up to the recommended 200–300 milligrams a day.
Dietary Sources Of Caffeine
Other than coffee, one of the most common dietary sources of caffeine is in energy drinks. Caffeinated energy drinks are popular amongst many people, especially young adults and athletes. While drinking these beverages may provide a boost of energy in the short-term, the long-term effects on health and development can be concerning.
Caffeinated energy drinks have been linked to numerous problems in both adults and adolescents. It has been found that people who consume them are at greater risk for adverse cardiovascular events, are more prone to behavioral problems, and have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have also observed that frequent consumption of these drinks can be associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression.
Because of the potential for long-term harm, nursing mothers are urged to avoid energy drinks when breastfeeding.
Revelations From The Research
The research on coffee drinking while nursing is generally mixed and complex, though a few things appear to be abundantly clear. Firstly, coffee is not a great dietary option for nursing mothers, as it can interfere with the energy balance of a mother and also increase her risk for developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes in the long-term.
It is also apparent that caffeine can pass through breast milk and present potential risks to infants, especially those under the age of 6 months. But the long-term effects on infants who have been exposed to caffeine through the breastmilk of nursing mothers remains uncertain and many studies have not been able detect any difference between those infants and those who had not.
Mitigating The Effects
Though it is important for nursing mothers to be aware that caffeine can pass through breast milk and potentially cause issues with infants, it is also worth noting that there are measures that can be taken to reduce its impact. Decaffeinated coffee is an excellent option for nursing mothers wanting to enjoy coffee without any potential risk to their baby.
Moreover, limiting the amount of coffee intake to no more than 200–300 milligrams a day and avoiding energy drinks is important. As is becoming mindful of other sources of caffeine, such as energy drinks and certain medications.
The Influence On Caffeine Habits
When nursing, mothers will undoubtedly come across nights of insomnia, regular fatigue and plummeting energy levels that make it tempting to reach for coffee as a solution. For this reasons, it is important for nursing mothers to be mindful of their caffeine habits.
Though drinking coffee may give them a short-term boost, the still unclear long-term implications of caffeine consumption for both baby and mother should be considered. Furthermore, nursing mothers need to understand that caffeine consumption can lead to physical and mood impacts that can range from a soaring heart rate and anxiousness to jitteriness and nervousness.
How To Maintain Energy Levels
Nursing mothers undoubtedly have a tough job and it is natural for them to need a little help in order to maintain their energy levels. What is advised is for them to avoid relying solely on coffee as a crutch, but instead use it in moderation if necessary.
A more reliable energy source would be a combination of regular healthy eating and regular aerobic exercise. Eating foods high in proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates helps to maintain energy levels and stimulate the brains production of dopamine and serotonin. Regular exercise also helps to maintain energy levels and promote relaxation.
Moreover, nursing moms should be sure to get sufficient sleep, preferably 7–8 hours. While this can be difficult, it is an essential part of helping the body to maintain its energy and should not be skipped.
Conclusion of Experts
Nursing mothers who are looking to consume coffee need to understand that the effects and implications of this are complex and still largely unknown. While it may be possible to consume coffee in moderation without any harm to the baby, it’s important for them to be mindful and aware of potential risks to their baby, the effects on their own bodies, and the other sources of caffeine.
Ultimately, it is best for nursing mothers to consider the potential risks when making their own decisions and limit their caffeine intake to two or three drinks per day and avoid energy drinks completely.
