Benefits of Drinking Coffee While Breastfeeding
Coffee is a great way to get an energy boost for any mother. It can also be a great way to support breastfeeding. Many people are unaware of the benefits of drinking coffee while breastfeeding specifically. Furthermore, knowing how to properly handle coffee while breastfeeding will ensure that the caffeine content remains low enough to not negatively impact the baby.
Whenever talking about breastfeeding, it is important to consider the safety of the baby. Areas like nutrition and health can be especially sensitive when it comes to infants. It is worth considering the benefits along with the potential risks of drinking coffee while breastfeeding as referencing experts can bring more clarity to the situation.
Drinking coffee while breastfeeding is a good way to increase energy and improve alertness. Coffee can also help mothers cope better with the demands of parenting. Caffeine has been found to help the body better manage stress levels which can keep the mother from becoming overly anxious or irritable.
Caffeine from coffee is not known to cause harm to an infant. In fact, a cup of coffee provides the same amount of caffeine as one ounce of chocolate or two ounces of cola. While this should be kept in mind, experts recommend limiting the intake of coffee or other caffeinated beverages. A mother should strive for no more than two 8-ounce cups of coffee per day.
Coffee is composed of caffeine, antioxidants and polyphenols. Caffeine is beneficial in small amounts as it has been known to provide an energy boost however, it can result in restlessness, jitters, rapid heart rate, and sometimes even insomnia when consumed in high quantities.
Antioxidants and polyphenols have been found to have benefits, however, they are mostly associated with coffee beverages that have low caffeine. Those same beverages can, however, lead to a reduced production of breast milk.
Many mothers also opt for decaffeinated coffee as an alternative. The process of decaffeination removes the caffeine but also removes some of the essential micro-nutrients and antioxidants. The process also uses chemical solvents which can be dangerous for some people.
Ultimately, it is important for the mother to appreciate the potential benefits and risks of drinking coffee while breastfeeding and to speak to their healthcare provider for further advice.
Guidance from Experts on Consumption
Experts have their own guidelines on the amount of caffeine that one can safely consume while breastfeeding. For example, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has recommended a daily limit of a total of 300mg of caffeine for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. This comes to about three 8-ounce cups of coffee per day which, for many mothers, is a hard limit to reach.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that moderate caffeine intake, of up to 300mg per day, is safe for breastfeeding mothers and will not harm the infant. They also suggest spacing out coffee intakes throughout the day. A mother should not drink all three cups in one go as it could affect the sleeping pattern of the baby.
The AAP also recommends avoiding drinks with added sugar, such as coffee-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Drinking coffee because of a habit or craving is acceptable, however, excessive consumption should be avoided.
The Australian Department of Health has studied coffee consumption amongst breastfeeding mothers and made their own recommendations. In their health survey in 2017, they found that the majority of mothers drank more than the recommended amount of caffeine while breastfeeding. The survey also noted that those mothers who reported sleeping problems with their infant were more likely to consume higher amounts of caffeine.
The Department further noted that in order to minimize the risk of disrupted sleep patterns, mothers should not consume any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages at least five hours before bedtimeNHS. Additionally, mothers should be aware of their own level of sensitivity to caffeine. Mothers who consume more than one cup of coffee per day should continue to monitor the reaction of the baby. It is essential to be mindful of the potential effect of caffeine on the baby and for the mother to make the decision for herself. Consulting a healthcare professional for expert advice is recommended.
Personal Assessment & Impact
The pros and cons of caffeine consumption while breastfeeding depend partially on the individual. Health practitioners should be consulted when determining whether a mother should drink coffee while breastfeeding and how much is acceptable. It is important to note that drinking coffee while breastfeeding cannot be generalized as every person is different and offers different possibilities.
For mothers with caffeine sensitivities, any amount could potentially be an issue and the American College of Pediatrics recommends abstaining from caffeine while breastfeeding. While caffeine can provide an energy boost, it can also have a negative effect on the baby by making them more alert and reducing much-needed sleep.
Calcium is an important mineral for both mother and child during breastfeeding. Coffee has been known to reduce calcium absorption among certain people. As it is important for infants to receive the necessary calcium for proper growth and strength, mothers should be mindful of this potential.
Finally, for some mothers, coffee can offer the much-needed boost both mentally and physically. But if a mother does want to drink coffee while breastfeeding, it is important to be mindful of the amounts and to monitor the baby for any signs of restlessness or agitation. A two-cup per day limit is generally suggested to minimize harm to the baby, but it is important to take into consideration the individual limits of a mother and baby.
Effects on Milk Production
Coffee has been found to help mothers during active breastfeeding. Studies have shown that drinking one cup of coffee enhances the production of milk. Since coffee contains caffeine, it increases the release of oxytocin in the body which has a direct effect on milk production. This should be taken into consideration before deciding whether to drink coffee while breastfeeding.
Excessive intake of coffee can, however, decrease the amount of milk produced. Research conducted in both animals and humans has found that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day can impair milk production. As long as a moderate amount of coffee is consumed and there are no medical issues involving caffeine sensitivity, coffee could, in fact, help with milk production.
Not all experts are in agreement on this. While some studies cite milk production increases, others indicate that the milk production from coffee consumption is either not affected or decreased. To be safe, mothers should keep their coffee consumption limited and to one or two cups per day at most.
Safe Alternatives to Coffee
If a mother wishes to stay away from coffee, there are several safer alternatives that can help provide an energy boost while breastfeeding. For example, herbal teas have caffeine-free caffeine substitutes such as guarana, yerba mate and coffee substitutes such as dandelion root tea and chicory root coffee. All of these can provide some of the benefits of coffee without the risks.
Soups, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and nuts are all excellent and natural sources of energy for a breastfeeding mother. Not only are these healthier options but they also do not contain caffeine or potentially harmful substances.
Additionally, mothers should practice relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation or massage to reduce stress and provide a calming effect. Studies have shown that relaxation activities can be a highly beneficial way to manage stress levels and to keep a mother calm while breastfeeding.
Mothers should also strive to get enough sleep and should attempt to create a regular sleep schedule that is not interrupted by late-night coffee sessions.
Seeking Professional Advice
It is essential to seek professional advice when it comes to a mother drinking coffee while breastfeeding. While it is beneficial for a mother to be aware of the potential benefits and risks, consulting a medical practitioner can ensure that the mother and the baby remain healthy and that the caffeine intake remains low enough to not pose a risk.
In some cases, it might even be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers to avoid coffee altogether. This is especially true for mothers with caffeine sensitivities. Ultimately, each mother must make the decision for herself but should take into consideration the advice from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants.
In conclusion, while coffee can be beneficial in small dosages, it should be monitored and kept to a limited intake when breastfeeding. As a result, mothers should consider any additional sources of caffeine in their diet in addition to coffee, such as energy drinks, teas, and soft drinks. Only then can a mother determine whether drinking coffee while breastfeeding is right for her.
