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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot prescribe, treat, or diagnose. I’m a mom and health coach sharing my knowledge and experiences for educational purposes. This does not take the place of any professional medical advice.
Straight from NICU nurse, Allie – yes, you can drink coffee while breastfeeding.
In those early newborn days, coffee was my lifeline.
I had given up coffee for years before pregnancy and reintroduced it during the third trimester, being cautious with caffeine intake.
Once the baby arrived, I drank coffee like a true Gilmore girl.
Surviving the newborn phase is tough. Sleep deprivation hits hard. Breastfeeding moms are advised not to go more than 4 hours without nursing or pumping. It’s a demanding time, and sometimes you need that caffeine boost to stay awake – and that’s okay.
Experts suggest limiting caffeine intake to 300 mg while nursing (compared to 200 mg during pregnancy and 400 mg for healthy adults). An average cup of coffee has 80-100 mg of caffeine, so sticking to less than 4 cups is recommended for nursing moms.
Honestly, I’m not sure if I always stuck to that guideline postpartum. Some days, I probably exceeded it. Now in the toddler years, my mornings usually call for two small cups of coffee – maybe three after a rough night.
Caffeine does affect breastmilk and can make its way to the baby in small amounts, but research shows that only a fraction of caffeine consumed by mom is actually transferred to breastmilk.
Some babies may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you notice your little one becoming fussy or having trouble sleeping after you’ve had your usual coffee intake, it might be worth cutting back or pursuing more natural ways to increase energy. (Speaking of, are you drinking your water? At least half your body weight in oz every DAY, Momma!)
Conventional coffee also has very high pesticide levels, so absolutely opt for organic coffee as often as possible. I get mine from an online grocery store. You can get 40% off your first order with this link. I actually get their organic instant coffee because it’s such a major convenience and it tastes great.
Bottom line: enjoy your coffee while breastfeeding. Trust your instincts, watch your baby’s signals, and don’t stress over it.
Be mindful of your caffeine intake, and don’t beat yourself up if you need that extra cup. Remember, a well-rested and happy mom is crucial for a content and thriving baby.
xo, Mary
P.S. I’ll be having a training on ways to naturally increase your energy levels in my Facebook group very soon, so hop in there now so you don’t miss it! You can do that here.