Are you wondering if you can continue to drink tea or coffee while breastfeeding? What you should know about coffee and breastfeeding is provided here.
Following nine months of dietary restrictions on favorite foods and beverages during pregnancy, issues regarding what indulgences are acceptable and what are not arise when a woman becomes a nursing mother.
Caffeine consumption during nursing is one of the top worries for many new moms. So the question is: Is it okay to resume drinking coffee, tea, or soda at pre-pregnancy levels? Is it best to consume in the same moderation as one would have done when pregnant, or should one refrain from any consumption altogether?
Is it safe to have coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks when you’re breastfeeding?
Of course, it is safe to indulge in coffee and other caffeinated drinks in moderation while nursing. Just as it is to do so throughout pregnancy. You don’t have to give up your caffeine fix just because you’re breastfeeding. While there may be very little amounts of caffeine in breast milk. The amount that is passed on to your infant is usually not high enough to cause any problems.
It’s important to remember, though, that certain babies can be more sensitive to caffeine than others. For example, premature babies and newborns may exhibit more sensitivity than older infants.
If you see that your young one appears more irritable, agitated, alert, or hyperactive following your consumption of a few cups of coffee. It could be smart to dial back your intake and assess for any improvements.
Additionally, it’s wise to strategically plan when you take caffeine; avoid drinking coffee or tea right before pumping or breastfeeding (or even during a session!). By doing so, you’ll give the caffeine time to leave your body before your baby gets hungry and has to be fed.
How much caffeine is okay while you’re breastfeeding?
The recommendations for caffeine intake during breastfeeding may vary slightly depending on the source. Generally, consuming up to 200 to 300 mg of caffeine per day is considered acceptable.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It is safe to consume up to 200 mg of caffeine daily, equivalent to either two small cups of coffee or one 12-ounce cup. This aligns with the guidelines endorsed during pregnancy.
On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and La Leche League International suggest a limit of no more than 300 mg per day. It is equivalent to approximately two to three cups of coffee, depending on the size (such as grande or venti).
However, it’s important to remain vigilant about the caffeine content in beverages. For instance, that medium cold-brew iced-coffee with an extra shot of espresso you’re eyeing could potentially exceed your daily caffeine limit in just one serving.
Should you “pump and dump” with caffeine the way you’ve heard about doing with alcohol?
No. You don’t have to “pump and dump” after eating moderate levels of caffeine, much like with light to moderate alcohol intake.
Are there any risks of consuming caffeine while breastfeeding?
There are no dangers associated with moderate or mild caffeine consumption for either you or your infant. But each baby responds to coffee in a different way, if at all.
If your infant turns out to be more sensitive to caffeine, she may become fussier or more restless, have trouble falling asleep, or have trouble settling down. Just keep an eye on her behavior and see if cutting back on your caffeine, especially if you do it a few hours before feeding, helps with these symptoms.
Caffeine is one of the many foods and beverages that should be used in moderation when nursing. Therefore, you don’t have to completely give up your daily cup or two of tea or coffee when breastfeeding.
Adhering to the recommended caffeine intake guidelines and timing your consumption a few hours before feeding your baby will likely prevent any issues. However, if you have concerns about caffeine and breastfeeding or seek clarification. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
