Caffeine and Nursing

Katy - posted on 02/27/2009

My son has never slept well in his 6 months. So adding caffeine back into the diet (I went decaf while pregnant) was never an option. I do know, however, lots of moms who drink a cup or two a day, and they claim it makes no difference. Decaf is just as good for me as regular.. I'm thinking its just more psychologial than anything (for me that is!)

Shanyn - posted on 02/20/2009

Me drinking caffeine sent my son through the roof in any amount, but it didn't bother my daughter at all, no matter how much I had. So I'd say that as long it doesn't seem to bother her, that you should be fine! :)

Melanie - posted on 02/20/2009

My oldest son was really affected by caffeine when I nursed and this little one is even worse! Aiden has reflux and I find it is worse when I've had caffeinated drinks or even chocolate. So, I haven't given it up all together but I don't have caffeine very often. I think if your child tolerates it, there is no harm in small amounts of caffeine.

Margot - posted on 02/20/2009

Oh I can't live without my morning cup of coffee. I have seriously cut back this go around. I also love chocolate, so I try to keep it to a minimum. Cup or 2 of Joe and my nightly chocolate icecream. LOVE Ice cream, which will be my downfall to losing weight, but it's soo yummie!!! I don't notice a difference when I have more than the norm. And we drink the strong stuff, ground fresh daily, french or italian roast. I love my grind and brew, makes the best coffee ever. Yummie. Wow it's almost 10 and I'm craving a cup now....LOL =0

Kathy - posted on 02/20/2009

Thanks so much! i have not seen a difference in my daughter, but just discovered the energy gels I eat during/after running contain caffeine. 

Jennifer - posted on 02/20/2009

I always have on travel mug of coffee in the morning and have never noticed a difference in my son't sleeping habits or mood.  I also drink quite a bit of iced tea (caffenated), again it doesn't seem to bother him.  I do remember that it did make my oldest daughter very cranky if I had caffeine when I was nursing her.  I think that every baby is different and that if you are able to have caffeine in moderation and it doesn't bother them then there is no need to cut it out of your diet.

Andrea - posted on 02/20/2009

I have always had 2 cups of coffee in the a.m. whether nursing or not. People (in-laws!) would say "you'll have a screaming baby" or not offer me coffee after dinner...never noticed any ill effects.

Kim - posted on 02/20/2009

i drink dr. pepper and when i don't drink a lot, it doesn't affect her, but i did have a day where she was super wired and cranky, and i had probably had a little too much caffine the day before.

Stefanie - posted on 02/20/2009

I don't drink too much of it, so when I have it, I don't feel bad. Here is some Kellymom info all about caffeine: http://kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/caf... Her site is awesome! It will let you know how much you can safely have each day, what possible side effects to look for in your baby, etc. It does mention that the levels of caffeine peak 1 hour after you have it, so sometimes I just try and time my caffeine to when I know he won't nurse for a couple hours.

Olivia - posted on 02/20/2009

Caffeine is considered safe but it does pass through breastmilk and I deffinately notice a difference in my baby when I overdo it.