Can you drink caffeine while breastfeeding?

Coffee, tea, energy drinks...can you safely drink caffeine while breastfeeding? How much is too much, and what effect can caffeine have on you and your baby? Should you cut it out all together? It’s important to be informed when it comes to caffeine, and we’re here to help you decipher what is cause for concern, and what is safe for your baby.

Risk of caffeine while breastfeeding

Perhaps you’ve heard drinking caffeine while breastfeeding can reduce the amount of milk you produce, or it can keep your baby awake or fussy.  Although consuming a cup or two of coffee each day is considered safe for both you and your baby, drinking more than 24 ounces of caffeine is not recommended. Coffee contains caffeine, which works like a diuretic making you want to produce and pass more urine.  Some professionals recommend after you drink your caffeinated coffee, drink a glass of water to help you replace the fluid you lose. According to KellyMom.com, as with everything you eat, it is about moderation.

Monitor your baby

As with the many foods you eat, it’s important to monitor your baby’s reactions, and adjust accordingly. Every baby is unique, and some may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. Make sure to watch your baby to see if he or she experiences any changes in behavior after you consume caffeine. According to BabyCenter.com, newborns tend to be more sensitive, as their bodies can’t easily breakdown and get rid of it, which could lead to an accumulation in the system. If there is a significant amount of caffeine in your diet, and your baby begins to show signs of fussiness, or seems particularly wakeful, try to cut back for two to three weeks and see if that makes a difference. As your baby gets older, he or she can process caffeine more efficiently, which means if it is a problem early on, it may not be an issue as your baby grows.

Other sources of caffeine

Even though you can achieve a ‘pick-me-up’ from a cup of coffee, caffeine can also be found in other products including many teas (including green tea), chocolate, soda, , ice cream, and even some medications. If you’re not already doing so, make sure to read labels to help gauge your consumption. Some herbal products like guarana, yerba mate, kola nut, and green tea extract do not label the amount of caffeine they contain, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research, or avoid altogether. Energyfiend.com can be a good resource to uncover how much is in a particular drink, food, or product. The good news is you don’t necessarily have to forgo a morning cup of coffee. However, it is essential to monitor your baby’s behavior, and ensure your habit doesn’t disrupt your baby’s health. Experiment, and find what works for you and your little one. But always be aware of how much caffeine you ingest for the health of both you, and your baby.