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Is it Healthy to Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?
Your body likely spent nine months monitoring what you ate and drank in order to protect the unborn baby from caffeine intake, so when your little one finally arrived you may wonder whether or not coffee consumption while breastfeeding is safe. According to most experts it should be fine to enjoy moderate caffeine amounts during breastfeeding but monitor how your body and baby respond.
One cup of coffee per day should be sufficient, however you should limit your caffeine consumption as much as possible while breastfeeding. Aim for no more than 300 milligrams daily of caffeine intake while nursing; this would equal to three 6-ounce cups of coffee, four cups of regular tea or six 12-ounce colas. You can control your consumption by selecting decaffeinated drinks or smaller servings of regular brewed coffee; also be aware that espresso-based drinks and blends often contain more caffeine than their standard counterparts – check labels carefully so you stay within these guidelines!
If you’re used to consuming large quantities of caffeine, cutting back will take some time and patience. Experts advise taking a gradual approach when cutting back, in order to prevent unpleasant side effects like headaches or fatigue from the withdrawal symptoms of stopping completely without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Start slowly replacing one caffeinated beverage at a time until eventually you can stop altogether without experiencing withdrawal.
Moderate caffeine intake is considered safe for most babies and should not impact breast milk supply. However, young newborns and preemies can become sensitive to its stimulative effects and display various adverse symptoms including fussiness and jitteriness – any sign that caffeine needs to be reduced or eliminated from your diet could indicate this is necessary.
Caffeine consumption should also be restricted because it can interfere with sleep. With your baby likely waking you frequently at night to nurse, getting enough restful zzz’s is essential so that you have enough energy for mothering your little one. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, try napping or making use of weekend time for catch-up sleep.