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Can you have a monster while breastfeeding?

Can You Have a Monster While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely consume Monster energy drinks is a topic of growing concern among new parents. As energy drinks become increasingly popular, understanding their effects on breastfeeding is crucial for the health of both mother and child.
Understanding Energy Drinks and Their Ingredients
Monster energy drinks are known for their high caffeine content, along with a mix of other stimulants and sugars. A typical 16-ounce can of Monster contains about 160 milligrams of caffeine, which is significantly higher than that found in a standard cup of coffee. While caffeine is generally considered safe in moderation for breastfeeding mothers, the key lies in how much is consumed and how it affects the infant.
Caffeine and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that moderate caffeine consumption—up to 300 milligrams per day—is typically safe for breastfeeding mothers. This amount is unlikely to cause adverse effects in infants, as only a small percentage of caffeine passes into breast milk. However, the high caffeine levels in energy drinks like Monster can quickly push a mother over this recommended limit, especially if consumed alongside other caffeinated products.
Potential Risks
The consumption of energy drinks while breastfeeding can pose several risks. High caffeine intake may lead to increased irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Additionally, the other ingredients in energy drinks, such as taurine and ginseng, have not been extensively studied in the context of breastfeeding, raising concerns about their safety for nursing infants.
Moreover, energy drinks often contain high levels of sugar, which can contribute to unhealthy dietary habits for both the mother and the child. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues, which is particularly concerning during the postpartum period when mothers are recovering and establishing healthy routines.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Health professionals generally advise breastfeeding mothers to limit their intake of energy drinks. If a mother chooses to consume a Monster energy drink, it is crucial to do so sparingly and to monitor the infant for any signs of caffeine sensitivity, such as fussiness or difficulty sleeping.
In summary, while it is technically possible for breastfeeding mothers to consume Monster energy drinks, it is advisable to approach this with caution. Moderation is key, and mothers should prioritize their health and the well-being of their infants by opting for safer alternatives, such as water or herbal teas, to maintain energy levels during this demanding period of motherhood.

Can caffeine in breast milk keep babies awake?

What This Study Adds: In this setting where caffeine is largely consumed in pregnancy and by nursing mothers, heavy consumption (≥300 mg/day) did not increase the number of nighttime awakenings by their 3-month-old infants.

How long does energy drink stay in your system breastfeeding?

About one per cent of the total caffeine you consume is passed to your baby via breastmilk. Although it’s a relatively small amount, it can still affect your baby, as their bodies don’t absorb it as quickly as adults. Caffeine stays in the system of an average adult for about three to seven hours.

Can I drink Monster Energy while breastfeeding?

While each mother should make her own decision regarding caffeine use during lactation, the CDC states that caffeine consumption in moderation (<300 mg/day) is considered generally safe for most breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

What can I take for energy while breastfeeding?

The following snacks are quick and simple to make, and will give you energy:

  • fresh fruit with a handful of unsalted nuts.
  • lower-fat, lower-sugar yoghurts or fromage frais.
  • hummus with bread or vegetable sticks.
  • fortified lower sugar breakfast cereals, muesli or other wholegrain cereals with lower fat milk.

How does caffeine affect a baby while breastfeeding?

Even caffeine consumption of more than 300 mg is unlikely to harm a baby. However, the CDC note that extreme caffeine consumption of more than 10 cups a day may cause symptoms in the baby, such as fussiness and jitteriness.

Should I pump and dump after energy drink?

Caffeine and breast milk
And you certainly don’t need to pump and dump! That’s because, in moderation, caffeine generally doesn’t affect your baby. Keep in mind that caffeine does enter your bloodstream, and a small amount can be passed to your baby through breast milk.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Can I drink Monster Energy while pregnant?

Doctors and midwives do not recommend energy drinks to anyone during pregnancy. Energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine and many other ingredients that could be unsafe for pregnant people. Let’s discuss what drinks and foods contain caffeine and why it’s important to watch how much you have during pregnancy.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

  • Smoking or drinking.
  • Some medicines and herbs.
  • Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
  • Nursing or pumping less often.
  • Getting sick.
  • Feeling stressed.
  • Getting pregnant again.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

  • Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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