When breastfeeding moms drink coffee is a question that many mothers are confronted with. Since caffeine is considered to be a stimulant, many nursing moms worry if consuming coffee during breastfeeding can affect their baby in any way. Here, we discuss the effects of caffeine on breastfeeding and what you can do to decrease its potential downfalls while still having your favorite cup of coffee.
Breastfeeding moms should not be worried that a cup of morning coffee might harm their baby. Caffeine has a short half-life, meaning that it will take only six hours for 50 per cent of caffeine to be eliminated from the body. A small amount of caffeine is passed to the baby through milk, but the quantity is minute. Moreover, studies have shown that drinking up to 300mg of caffeine per day does not adversely affect the nursing baby.
It is, however, important to be aware of how caffeine consumption can affect your own body. Some moms may experience certain side-effects, like palpitations, nervousness, insomnia or restlessness [1]. Excessive consumption of coffee can also make your baby restless, making it difficult for them to take naps or sleep. Therefore, it is advised that nursing moms limit their caffeine consumption to fewer than 300mg per day, as this amount is safe for the baby.
If you find it difficult to kick off the habit of drinking several cups of coffee, you may want to look for alternative ways to reduce the caffeine consumption:
- Take smaller sips – enjoy a smaller cup of coffee, or divide your morning cup into two.
- Choose a decaffeinated option – some decaffeinated coffees still contain a small amount of caffeine, so you may want to switch to decaffeinated tea.
- Drink less often – try to have coffee only twice a day instead of more frequently.
The best option is to avoid drinking coffee altogether while breastfeeding – replace it with herbal teas and plenty of water. Even after your baby starts weaning and you can resume drinking coffee, it is a good practice to limit caffeine intake and stay as far away as possible from energy drinks and other sodas that contain a high amount of caffeine.
How Does Caffeine Interact With Breast Milk?
Caffeine freely passes through the plasma membranes of the mother and into her breastmilk. Its half-life in breastmilk is around two and four hours, which is much less than the five and half hour half-life for caffeine in plasma. This is why there is a great potential for transfer of caffeine from the mother’s system into the baby’s system through breastmilk. It is also important to take into consideration the potential for tolerance and adverse effects as a result of your breastfeeding baby’s metabolism. Each baby is different, so it is best to discuss this with your pediatrician or doctor.
Factors To Consider When Breastfeeding And Drinking Coffee
There are a few important factors to consider when breastfeeding and drinking coffee:
- Amount of caffeine in the coffee – Different types of coffee contain different amounts of caffeine, and some are more potent than others. It is important to take this into account when deciding how much coffee to have.
- Baby’s age – Older babies can better metabolise caffeine, so if your baby is over 6 months you may be able to drink a moderate amount of coffee.
- Baby’s weight – Babies that are smaller may not be able to metabolise the caffeine as well, meaning any amount you do drink may have a stronger effect on them.
What Foods and Drinks Contain Caffeine?
Caffeine is not only found in coffee and tea, but also in certain foods and drinks, like chocolate, energy drinks, soda and other caffeinated beverages. In order to avoid consuming too much caffeine, be mindful of what you eat and drink. If you are unsure if something contains caffeine, then it is best to check on the label or the list of ingredients.
What Are The Alternatives To Drinking Coffee While Breastfeeding?
Moms who have their morning cup of coffee have come to rely on it as a source of energy. If you are trying to cut down on caffeine, there are plenty of alternatives you can use to keep you going through the day. Try opting for a herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, or making a green smoothie with loads of nutritious ingredients that will give you an energy-boost. Another way to stay energised during the day is by having healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruits or vegetable sticks.
Can Drinking Coffee Affect the Production of Breast Milk?
The amount of caffeine in breast milk is not enough to significantly affect the production of breast milk. However, consuming too much caffeine may affect the quality and flavour of the milk, making it less appetising for your baby. Also, as mentioned earlier, too much caffeine can reduce the amount of sleep the baby gets, leading to exhaustion and weaker suckling.
What Is The Recommended Amount Of Caffeine For Breastfeeding Moms?
The recommended amount of caffeine for breastfeeding moms is 300mg per day. It is important to note that this amount applies to both coffee and other caffeine sources, such as energy drinks, tea and chocolate. So, if you drink several cups of coffee, make sure to spread them out over the day and never exceed the recommended amount.
