Raising a newborn baby means there’s always something new brewing and taking up Mom’s attention. In fact, caffeinated drinks can be a common companion while you’re taking care of your child. But do you know how much caffeine is safe while breastfeeding?
Minding the Caffeine During Breastfeeding
Since your baby gets a little bit of everything Mom feeds her body, you want to learn how to manage caffeine intake during the nursing phase.
Some babies can be more sensitive than others. Also, younger babies (up until 6 months old) will probably feel the effects of caffeine more strongly than older ones.
The sensitivity in regards to caffeine changes, and it’s no different when it comes to our Little Ones. Some people are more prone to feeling the effects of caffeine, and some feel it less.
Can Caffeine Negatively Affect My Baby?
If your baby is getting too much caffeine out of the breastfeeding, Mom and Dad might have to deal with a few struggles.
- Increased agitation and irritability;
- Taking too long to wind down when it’s bedtime and fall asleep;
- Waking up during the night because their sleep is inconstant.
While we’re discussing caffeine, this is not the only substance Moms are advised to watch out for.
As an overall rule, whatever Mom ingests gets to her breastmilk and passes to the baby. That’s why smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not ideal, just as a sugar-high diet.
So, if you want to keep your baby nurtured and healthy, be mindful of your nutrition – and always consult with your obstetrician to make sure your choices match your baby’s needs!
How Much Caffeine is Safe While Breastfeeding?
Typically, around 200-300 mg a day. In practical terms, it corresponds to about 2 to 3 cups of coffee (considering each cup is around 8oz, or about 240ml).
Even if you feel pumped up after your coffee, don’t worry: not all of it goes to your baby. Only about 1.5% of the caffeine dosage Mom takes actually passes into breast milk.
If you want to be extra-safe in reducing the amount of caffeine your baby gets, try to breastfeed before ingesting caffeine. In adults, caffeine hits its peak levels about 60 to 120 minutes after consumption, so it’s usually safer to breastfeed around 3 hours after you’ve taken your cup of coffee.
Most Common Sources of Caffeine
Chocolate, black tea, energy drinks, products with guarana, pain relief medications for headaches or migraines, sodas with colas. Caffeine can also be found in weight loss supplements.
Hey, but you can still get your daily kick of caffeine! If you’re interested in reducing the amount of coffee you get from your drinks, you can consider replacing your usual brewed (96 mg caffeine per 8 oz) to a black tea (47 mg per 8 oz).
Should I Quit Drinking Coffee While Breastfeeding?
Be mindful that breastfeeding doesn’t mean you can’t ingest caffeine. You can still enjoy your coffee (or caffeinated drink), but it’s advisable that you do it in moderation if you want to avoid undesired consequences in your Little One’s night routine.
Now you know how much caffeine is safe while breastfeeding: don’t overdo it and you’ll likely have no issues with it. Remember to go to your doctor if you feel the need to discuss other medical or behavioral conditions that could be affecting yours or your baby’s health.
Continue your journey to improve your Mom Skills! Next, learn the tricks and tips on keeping your newborn’s bowel movements healthy!
