How much caffeine is okay for a breastfeeding Mom to consume?
Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at
12:01 am
I’ve been good with limiting my caffeine intake since I was pregnant but I’ve been having more coffee lately than normal. My baby is 6 months. How much is okay to consume?
Tagged with: caffeine intake • Coffee
Filed under: Caffeine
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Two to three average sized servings per day is considered to be within normal limits. A regular sized can of Coke is 2 servings. Always try the caffeinated drink in the morning the first time. If it effects the baby, you don’t want to find out at night.
They say about 3 8oz cups are safe. That is regular coffee with cream and sugar…not the double mocha latte. Watch for cues from your baby because some are more effected then others.
If I take in more then half a cup of coffee my daughter will be awake for HOURS.
If you are exclusively breastfeeding you have incredibly limited intake of caffeine. Keep in mind that absolutely everything you consume your baby does also. Babies who have caffeine in their diets through breast milk are often more colicky, along with other problems. Although you may really want that cup of coffee please consider your babies needs before your own wants.
It is recommended that nursing moms drink no more than five cups of coffee (with caffeine) per day. Make sure to count all sources of caffeine, such as teas, soft drinks, pain relievers, stimulants and chocolate (which produces the same effect as caffeine). If a nursing mom consumes more than five cups of coffee a day it could accumulate in her baby’s system, resulting in overstimulation. This may cause wakefulness and irritability in the baby.