Caffeine and breast milk

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi All,

Currently I think I have been drinking too much caffeine. With the weather being cold, I have been drinking 1-2 cups of coffee (instant) and about 2-3 cups of black tea a day. Is this too much caffeine?

How long does caffeine stay in the breast milk and what effects does it have on DD?

Thank you!

[BellyBelly]

Tea isnt as bad as coffee, but remember, your baby will take much longer to process caffiene in her body and it will be in her system longer than yours. Madura make a nice caffiene free tea (I think its actually low caffiene) but coffee and coke are the worst culprits for lots of caffiene which could make her unsettled.

[KatieRabbit]

I think caffeine stays in the breastmilk for some time- as in, not rapidly processed (can't think of the word!!). It can cause jitters in babies, sleeplessness, increased heart rate etc as with the effects it has on adults. Personally I don't think that it is worth drinking it. Like BB said, try Madura tea, Virgin Garden (if you can find it) or my very favourite Vital Organics Rooibos tea (avail in Woolworths). The rooibos tea is yummy (after your 2nd cup- I didn't like the first one) and is naturally caffeine free. If you really need the coffee, why not get a decaf one and for the first few days mix it half and half with your normal one till you go to full decaf?

[Kitt3n]

Why not try some herbal tea? Green tea, chammomile, jasmine -these are so lovely on a cold day

[mbear]

I breastfeed and i have my morning instant coffee (cannot function without that one...) and then if im out and about during the day i will buy a latte.

I once was shopping with mum most of the day and ended up having 3 small bought caffe lattes....i was up till 11pm that night and bub stirred all night...so ive learnt my lesson...

If your cold and need to warm up, why not try a cuppa soup ???

[{sarah}]

Maybe try something different like hot chocolate or or Aktavite (which is good for increasing BM anyway).