Coffee & Breastfeeding: What Should Nursing Moms Know?
Coffee has long been a popular pick-me-up and one of the world’s most consumed beverages. But with the rise of breastfeeding rates in many countries, new questions have arisen about the safety of coffee consumption for nursing mothers. Studies have been conducted to assess the effects of coffee drinking during lactation and to determine what, if any, guidelines would be most beneficial for nursing mothers who decide to consume the beverage.
Research has explored both the short-term and long-term potential impacts of coffee consumption among breastfeeding mothers. Short-term studies have found that caffeine consumption, with up to 300 milligrams a day, passed through the milk in amounts that were considered to have no effects on the baby’s heart rate, body temperature, or behavior. However, research on the long-term implications of coffee consumption during breastfeeding is limited.
Studies have shown conflicting results when it comes to concerns about breastfeeding mothers consuming coffee. Caffeine has been found to pass through breast milk, but its impact on the baby is not fully understood. Some research has suggested that nursing mothers who drink coffee could be contributing to later difficulties with hyperactivity, focus, and even sleep, though the link is inconclusive.
Those seeking to answer the coffee debate have suggested the importance of considering the individual woman, her medical history, and her overall diet. Even if coffee consumption is considered safe, experts caution that it may be more beneficial to nursing mothers to avoid excess caffeine intake. If coffee consumption is deemed necessary by the mother, low amounts may be better than larger ones, as lower quantities tend to pass more quickly through the breast milk.
The Safety of Coffee During Breastfeeding
The safety of consuming coffee while breastfeedi
