{"id":80136,"date":"2023-11-01T01:12:03","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T23:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/?p=80136"},"modified":"2023-11-01T01:12:03","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T23:12:03","slug":"should-you-drink-coffee-when-breastfeeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/should-you-drink-coffee-when-breastfeeding\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Drink Coffee When Breastfeeding"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Coffee has been a staple beverage for many people around the globe for centuries. Many new moms want to continue their coffee habit while breastfeeding, but wonder if it’s safe for the baby. Breastfeeding comes with its own challenges, but for many breastfeeding moms, the pros outweigh the cons and can easily make the difference between a successful breastfeeding journey and one that fails before it even had a chance. With the amount of caffeine in coffee, it’s understandable that new moms have concerns about drinking coffee while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that moderate amounts of caffeine consumed by a breastfeeding mother will not affect the baby. However, as with anything else, moderation is key. High levels of caffeine can cause irritability and sleeplessness in babies. Most medical experts agree that breastfeeding mothers should not consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. That equates to three 8 oz. cups of brewed coffee, which may not be enough to satisfy the coffee cravings of some new moms.<\/p>\n

In addition to caffeine, some studies have found that certain chemicals like lead, arsenic and cadmium can be present in coffee. These chemicals can be harmful if consumed in high levels. Decreasing these hazardous chemicals is easy, as long as you are aware of the risks. Choose organic coffee beans, and always opt for filtered boiled or cold-brewed coffee. Avoid pre-ground-instant coffee, as studies have shown that it may contain higher levels of chemicals.<\/p>\n

What about decaffeinated coffee? It’s important to understand that decaffeinated coffee still contains some levels of caffeine, usually between 3-15 mg of caffeine. While more studies need to be done, recommendations for breastfeeding mothers are to also limit intake of decaffeinated coffee.<\/p>\n