Coffee has many health benefits. It functions as an energizer which causes increased levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. Therefore, mothers should consume should take it cautiously, especially by women who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Some babies may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. These babies are unable to get rid of the caffeine that has entered their bloodstream through the milk of the mother making them resistant and unable to sleep. Babies that are less resistant to it may also experience acid reflux or colic. In fact, babies born to mothers who during pregnancy restrained from caffeine, are more sensitive to it, but they gain tolerance with age.
Is it safe to consume caffeine during breastfeeding?
Can it affect breastfeeding by drinking caffeine? Well, that’s a matter for all nursing mothers. Experts say that coffee or caffeine consumption in limits is safe. Nonetheless, nursing mothers with a baby under the age of four months should abstain from it as babies may not be able to deal with even a small amount of caffeine in their bloodstream. Observing your child could help, too. If your baby is mostly awake or restless and irritable, particularly when you breastfeed him or her, it is a sign that the mother needs to stop her ingestion of caffeine.
Can your baby be harmed by caffeine?
Low levels of caffeine in breast milk do not guarantee that your baby is safe in the amount present. In addition, the metabolism of caffeine in a newborn is very slow, with an average of 3-4 days, and maybe even slower in premature babies. However, as the baby matures, it gradually increases.
Can caffeine during breastfeeding decrease the supply of milk?
If taken in less or medium quantities, caffeine is good, but if taken in large quantities, it can dehydrate the body and reduce the supply of milk. The ingestion of breast milk with caffeine will make a baby cranky and reluctant. This, in turn, may lead to a baby not wanting milk, which, in turn, may reduce the mother’s supply of breast milk.
Reasons for avoiding caffeine during breastfeeding
Caffeine, along with tea and coffee, is said to be present in a lot of food and medicines. Because of the caffeine in them, people prefer beverages such as tea and coffee because it keeps people alert and awake. However, for the following reasons, it is best to keep away from all food and beverage containing caffeine while breastfeeding.
- The baby gets a small amount of caffeine from the food or drinks that the mother takes in the milk. As a result, the baby sleeps less and becomes irritable.
- A turgid and cranky infant may not be well nursed. The supply of mother’s breast milk will, therefore, decrease as demand is lower.
- Caffeine can cause allergies in children. Consequently, a breastfeeding child who absorbs caffeine through the milk of his mother may have rashes or stool issues.
- Too much of the consumption of caffeine may cause dehydration, resulting in less breast milk supply.
How much caffeine during breastfeeding is fine?
The effects of caffeine may differ on the basis of several factors from one mother-baby pair to another. Some babies are good if the mother drinks 1-3 caffeine a day, but when the mother beverages 4-6 caffeinated drinks a day, some babies begin to show signs of irritability and sleeplessness. As the baby grows older, it can more rapidly metabolize caffeine. Therefore, it can be said that before deciding the amount of caffeine that is appropriate for a mother-infant pair, many variables need to be considered.
Alternatives to caffeinated drinks
- Green Tea: It contains much less caffeine and is packed with rich antioxidants that benefit health.
- Lemon Water: It’s freshness that immediately jolts you up. It’s an immediate revitalizer.
- Wheatgrass Juice: This is a natural energy source rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential.
- Chamomile Tea: While free of caffeine, it helps people relax, unwind and improve sleep disorders as well.
- Ginseng Tea: Increases blood flow and has a stimulating effect like coffee.
- Green Smoothies: A combination of fresh veggies and fruits makes you feel fresh and energized quickly.
- Peppermint Tea: In addition to freshening your breath, this minty beverage always calms you down with a calming feeling.
- Tender Coconut Water: it can quench your thirst and stimulate you at the same time.
- Carob powder: caffeine-free and close to cocoa powder that vitalizes you when taken with a combination of milk and honey.
- Licorice Tea: This brew is free of caffeine. By functioning as a tonic to the adrenal glands, it increases strength.
In most of the drinks, caffeine can be found It’s said to be a great booster of power. People are looking forward to a morning cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. Beverages or foods containing caffeine, however, should not be taken in excess while breastfeeding an infant as it can lead to a lot of baby health problems. Caffeine taken in excess has side effects, too. So if you think you consume too much of it, cut it down and see your lifestyle change for the better.
Also Read: Are Energy Drinks Safe During Breastfeeding?
