Breastfeeding And Caffeine

Breastfeeding And Caffeine

It is confusing enough wondering what to eat and drink when you are pregnant, let alone when breastfeeding. One of the most asked-about drinks is coffee – should breastfeeding mothers drink it or not? Once you have the facts at your fingertips it is easier to make an informed choice…

Caffeine can reach your baby through breast milk

A woman can drink up to five small cups of coffee a day without affecting her baby. Unfortunately, most of us don’t drink coffee in small cups – the average deli coffee is Primo (medium) or Grande (large)!

Remember there are many other sources of caffeine in your diet, from colas and tea. Many cold remedies contain caffeine, as does chocolate! These all need to be taken into account when you are totting up your daily quota.

So how does caffeine affect a nursing baby?

Obviously, caffeine will have a greater effect on your baby than you, due to the differences in size and the baby’s immature digestive system. Caffeine is a stimulant, and an accumulation of caffeine in your baby’s system could have noticeable effects on their behavior.

Babies who are affected by the caffeine in your breast milk may be fussy and restless. They will probably cry more than usually, and will find it harder to drop off to sleep. If your baby is affected by the caffeine in your diet, cut down gradually each day until you have given it up altogether. And remember to watch out for all the different sources of caffeine listed above.

How long does the caffeine take to leave the mother’s system?

Caffeine can clear a mother’s system in around eight hours or less, but in a baby it can stay for several days. Knowing this, you can choose to only drink or consume caffeine immediately after you have breast fed. This way it will be virtually out of your system by the time you next breastfeed. Still keep your total quota under the five small cups a day limit, however, including all sources. Drink a few glasses of water after consuming coffee, as this will dilute the caffeine and reduce the effects of its diuretic properties.

I can’t give up coffee. Help!

If you just can’t manage to do without your daily fix of caffeine, try following these tips:

1. Limit the amount of caffeine you do consume as much as you can.
2. Caffeine is at its highest level in breast milk around one hour after you have drunk it. Bear this in mind when drinking your one or two precious cups a day.
3. Smoking will only increase the effect of caffeine on you and your baby, so don’t smoke if you drink caffeine. Of course, you shouldn’t be smoking anywhere around your baby at all. If you were unable to kick the habit while pregnant, talk to your doctor for help.

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