Does caffeine lower breast milk supply?

The Relationship Between Caffeine and Breast Milk Supply
The question of whether caffeine affects breast milk supply is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. Many women worry that their daily coffee habit might hinder their ability to produce enough milk for their infants. However, recent insights suggest that these fears may be largely unfounded.
Caffeine and Milk Production: What the Research Says
Current evidence indicates that moderate caffeine consumption does not negatively impact breast milk supply. According to multiple health sources, including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is no reliable evidence to support the claim that drinking coffee—specifically, one cup a day—results in decreased milk production. In fact, some studies even suggest that moderate caffeine intake might have a neutral or potentially positive effect on milk supply.
Understanding Caffeine Transfer to Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother consumes caffeine, it quickly appears in her breast milk. However, the amount that actually transfers is relatively small—about 1% of the caffeine consumed. This means that while caffeine does enter breast milk, the levels are low enough that they are unlikely to have a significant impact on the infant or the mother’s milk supply.
Moderation is Key
Health guidelines generally suggest that breastfeeding mothers can safely consume up to 200-300 mg of caffeine per day, which equates to about 2-3 cups of coffee. This level of consumption is considered safe and is unlikely to affect milk production adversely. However, it is worth noting that excessive caffeine intake can lead to issues such as increased fussiness or jitteriness in infants, as well as potential sleep disturbances.
Nutritional Considerations
While caffeine does not appear to lower milk supply, it may influence the nutritional quality of breast milk. For instance, mothers who consume higher amounts of caffeine may have lower levels of iron in their breast milk. This is an important consideration for mothers who are mindful of their infant’s nutritional needs.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally enjoy caffeine without fear of negatively impacting their milk supply. The consensus among health professionals is that moderate caffeine consumption is safe and does not hinder milk production. As always, mothers should listen to their bodies and consult with healthcare providers if they have specific concerns about their diet and breastfeeding.

What shortens your milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply. Lactation teas are safe but check with your doctor to ensure the ingredients don’t interact with any medications or supplements you’re already taking.

Why has my breast milk supply suddenly decreased?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

How much does caffeine affect breast milk?

A National Institutes of Health study estimates that caffeine passes into breast milk at between 0.06 and 1.5 percent of the maternal dose. Because a small amount does pass into your breast milk, experts suggest limiting your intake.

Does caffeine keep baby awake through breast milk?

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.

Does caffeine make your breast milk dry up?

One serving of coffee or soda a day does not have enough caffeine or dehydrating factors to reduce your breast milk supply. Another option to increase fluid intake is fenugreek tea, which also can help increase breast milk production.

What can decrease your 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.