By: Bahar Madani
Caffeine is a compound found in certain plants that act as a stimulant for our central nervous system. It can increase alertness and energy levels. Though caffeine is considered safe and may even have health benefits, many mothers wonder about its safety of caffeine consumption while breastfeeding. While coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks may provide a boost of energy for sleep-deprived moms, drinking too many of these beverages may have negative effects for both mothers and their babies.
Approximately, 1% of the total amount of caffeine mothers consume passes through their breast milk. One study in 15 nursing women found that those who drank beverages containing 36–335 mg of caffeine showed 0.06–1.5% of each dose in their breast milk. While this amount may seem small, infants cannot process caffeine as quickly as adults. When we ingest caffeine, it’s absorbed from our gut into our bloodstreams. The liver then processes it and breaks it down into compounds that affect different organs and bodily functions. In a healthy adult, caffeine stays in the body for three to seven hours. However, infants can hold onto it for 65–130 hours, as their liver and kidneys are not fully developed. Therefore, even the small amounts that pass through to breast milk can build up in the baby’s body over time — especially in newborns.
Though babies can’t process caffeine as quickly as adults, breastfeeding mothers can still consume moderate amounts. Breastfeeding mothers can safely have up to 300 mg of caffeine per day — or the equivalent of two to three cups (470–710 ml) of coffee. Based on current research, consuming caffeine within this limit while breastfeeding does not cause harm to infants. When breastfeeding mothers consume significantly more than 300 mg of caffeine per day — such as more than 10 cups of coffee — infants may experience fussiness and sleep disturbances. Moreover, excessive caffeine intake can have negative effects on mothers themselves, such as heightened anxiety, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and insomnia.
Finally, mothers may be concerned that caffeine decreases breast milk production. However, some research suggests that moderate consumption may actually increase breast milk supply.
Caffeinated beverages include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sodas. The amount of caffeine in these drinks varies widely.
The following chart indicates the caffeine content of common drinks.
Though caffeine is consumed by people all over the world and can provide a boost of energy for sleep-deprived mothers, It is best for them to not go overboard while breastfeeding. In moderation, a small amount of caffeine will not harm a breastfed baby. It’s recommended to limit caffeine intake while breastfeeding, as small amounts can pass into breast milk, building up in the baby over time. Still, up to 300 mg — about 2–3 cups (470–710 ml) of coffee or 3–4 cups (710–946 ml) of tea — per day is generally considered safe.
Work Cited
Caffeine While Breastfeeding: How Much Can You Safely Have? Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD on, www.healthline.com/nutrition/breastfeeding-diet-101. Accessed 9 Jan. 2019.
Medala.www.medela.us/breastfeeding/articles/is-it-safe-caffeine-alcohol-while-breastfeeding.
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