The American Academy of Pediatrics has labeled caffeine as a drug safe for use during lactation, but consider limiting your caffeine consumption anyway. Some babies are very sensitive to caffeine and you may sleep and feel better if you cut back, as well.
Breastfeeding Basics
Chemicals in the foods a breastfeeding mother consumes eventually make their way into breast milk and are ingested by a nursing baby. Babies tolerate most foods well, although some foods, such as broccoli, cabbage and beans, can give a young baby indigestion when eaten by a nursing mother. Diaper rash, generalized fussiness or vomiting may also be caused by something the mother ate, according to Robin Elise Weiss, certified lactation counselor and author of "The Better Way to Breastfeed." Some babies are also sensitive to caffeine.
Reactions to Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant and, as such, may make your baby more jittery or irritable. Reactions may range from mild wakefulness to refusing to sleep or even screaming. Watch your baby if you've consumed caffeine for signs of sensitivity. Your baby may not sleep or eat well, or he may just seem "wired." Keep in mind, though, that caffeine can remain in your breast milk for up to four days, according to Weiss.
Recommendations
If you drink caffeinated beverages while breastfeeding, keep your caffeine consumption under 300 milligrams per day; 150 is even better, according to Weiss. The average cup of brewed coffee has between 95 and 200 milligrams of caffeine, while caffeinated colas can contain about 35 milligrams of caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. A cup of black tea can have between 40 and 120 milligrams of caffeine. Limit your consumption to one cup of coffee daily or one to two sodas if your baby seems to tolerate caffeine.
Considerations
Younger babies tend to be more sensitive to caffeine than older babies, so consider reducing or eliminating caffeine intake for the first six months, especially if your baby becomes very jittery or irritable. Also, as your baby gets older and eats more at each feeding, the caffeine remains in your system for a shorter period of time. For example, a newborn may experience a reaction to a cup of coffee you drank up to four days after consumption, but most of the caffeine is gone from your breast milk after about two hours if you are breastfeeding a 6 month old.
Talk with your pediatrician if you suspect your baby is sensitive to caffeine, or switch to decaffeinated coffee and sodas. Consume caffeinated beverages early in the day so the caffeine is out of your baby's system by bedtime. When figuring your daily caffeine intake, take hidden sources of caffeine, such as chocolate, into account. Many over-the-counter headache medications also contain caffeine.
References
- "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- "The Better Way to Breastfeed"; Robin Elise Weiss; 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More
- March of Dimes: Caffeine and Pregnancy
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