When you are a new mom, juggling the demands of a newborn can make you feel exhausted, and you might want to reach for a cup of coffee or tea to stay awake and get through the day. But is it okay to drink caffeine when you are breastfeeding? To help put your mind at ease, our OB/GYN specialists in Munster, Indiana discuss some of the key things mothers should know about drinking caffeine while nursing their baby.
How does caffeine affect breastfeeding?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in many plants, like coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. Many people love it because it helps them feel more awake and focused. New moms especially love caffeine because it can give them that much-needed pick-me-up after sleepless nights.
Luckily, it is usually safe for moms to have some caffeine when breastfeeding their babies, but they should be careful not to have too much. Ideally, breastfeeding moms should limit their caffeine to about two or three cups of coffee or 3–4 cups of tea a day.
Most OB/GYN specialists in Munster, Indiana emphasize that while most breastfeeding moms can enjoy caffeine without problems, they should watch how their baby reacts. This is because small amounts of caffeine can get into your breast milk, and some babies may be more sensitive to it than others.
There are ways to tell that caffeine might be affecting your baby.
Babies are all different, and how they react to caffeine can vary. Some babies might be unfazed, while others might become fussier or have trouble sleeping. Newborns are especially sensitive to caffeine because it stays in their system longer.
If your baby seems extra irritable, has a hard time napping, or seems restless, you should probably think about how much caffeine you are having. A knowledgeable OB/GYN specialists in Munster, Indiana will suggest watching how your baby behaves and maybe cutting back a little if you notice any of these signs.
How much caffeine is safe while breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, you can safely enjoy up to 300 milligrams of caffeine each day. But what does that really look like in terms of your daily coffee or tea habit? An average 8 oz cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, while black tea has roughly 47 mg. Green tea is even lower, with about 20–45 mg per cup.
Remember that caffeine is not only in coffee and tea — it is also in chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, and some medications. So, to make sure you are staying within safe limits, you are going to want to keep track of all the caffeine sources in your diet.
Your OB/GYN specialists in Munster, Indiana remind you that if you are having other caffeinated drinks or snacks during the day, you may want to adjust your coffee or tea intake accordingly to stay within that 300-mg limit.
Manage your caffeine consumption for a healthier breastfeeding experience.
If you are worried that caffeine might not be good for your baby, there are some things you can do. For example, feeding your baby before having your morning coffee gives your body time to process the caffeine before the next time you feed them. Waiting about three hours after having caffeine before nursing can help make sure less caffeine gets to your baby.
Another thing you can do is gradually reduce your caffeine consumption. This helps you with any potential withdrawal symptoms, like headaches, irritability, or fatigue. Many OB/GYN specialists recommend this gradual approach if you want to drink less caffeine without disrupting your routine.
Some moms also find that switching to decaf or herbal teas is a good choice. Decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine, but much less than regular coffee. Many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and can be a safe choice while you are breastfeeding.
Looking for an Affordable OB/GYN Specialist in Munster, Indiana?
Are you ready to make sure you are on the right track with your breastfeeding journey? If so, and if you’re looking for an affordable OB/GYN specialist in Munster, Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to learn more.