Energy drinks, such as the Six Hour Power shots, contain caffeine and ingredients such as taurine to boost energy. The lack of energy experienced by mothers caring for babies may lead some women to consider these energy drinks for an increase in energy when fatigue sets in. These drinks should be used with caution, if at all, because of caffeine’s ability to infiltrate the milk supply and pass to the baby. Talk to your midwife or health-care professional prior to using such energy drinks or any energy supplement.
Caffeine
The amount of caffeine contained in Six Hour Power is not formally disclosed. Instead, an energy blend including taurine, malic acid, caffeine, glucoronolactone, tyrosine and l-phenylalanine is listed in the amount of 2,125 mg. According to a representative with NVE Pharmaceuticals, the drink contains about about 100 mg of caffeine The extra-strength drinks have about 150 mg.
Caffeine and Breast Milk
Caffeine intake affects the breast milk because a portion of the chemical enters into the milk supply. The amount of caffeine that enters the breast milk is a fraction of what is ingested by the mother. Certified lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata of KellyMom.com explains that only 0.06 to 1.5 percent of caffeine crosses into the milk. Despite the minute amount, some babies are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Premature babies and full-term newborns are more susceptible to the effects of caffeine. As a baby gets older, his body can metabolize the caffeine more effectively.
Effects on Baby
The effects of six-hour energy drinks on breastfed babies are not clearly known. Since manufacturers are not required to list the amount of caffeine included on the label, it is difficult to know the exact amount in each product. Babies who are sensitive to the caffeine in these drinks may become agitated, may have difficulty sleeping and may become easily irritable. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explains that high levels of caffeine ingested by the mother may lead to decreased bone density in the breastfed baby. The same effect may occur when pregnant women ingest more than 300 mg of caffeine per day.
Alternatives
If you are a nursing mother and find yourself in need of a frequent energy boost, talk to your health-care provider. Some health conditions, including vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms of fatigue. Getting proper medical attention of underlying disorders can eliminate the need for energy supplements if treated properly. Additionally, increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoiding sugary and highly processed foods may also improve your energy level while breastfeeding.
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