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Is soda ok to drink while breastfeeding?

Is Soda Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether soda is safe for breastfeeding mothers is one that many new moms ponder. While the occasional soda is generally considered acceptable, there are several factors to consider regarding caffeine content, sugar levels, and overall health implications for both mother and baby.
Caffeine Considerations
One of the primary concerns with soda consumption during breastfeeding is caffeine intake. Most sodas contain caffeine, with a typical can containing around 45 milligrams. In contrast, a standard cup of coffee can have up to 200 milligrams of caffeine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that breastfeeding mothers limit their total caffeine intake to 300 milligrams per day. This means that moderate soda consumption can fit within these guidelines, but mothers should be mindful of their overall caffeine sources, including coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Sugar and Health Implications
Another significant aspect to consider is the sugar content in regular sodas. High sugar intake has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and metabolic disorders. A recent study highlighted concerns that a high-sugar diet during the postpartum period could potentially lead to cognitive development delays in infants. Therefore, while an occasional soda may not pose immediate risks, frequent consumption of sugary drinks could have longer-term implications for both mother and child.
Diet Sodas and Artificial Sweeteners
For those who prefer diet sodas, the safety of artificial sweeteners is another topic of discussion. While diet sodas contain fewer calories and sugar, the effects of artificial sweeteners on breastfeeding infants are not fully understood. Some experts suggest that it may be wise to limit these as well, opting instead for healthier alternatives like water or herbal teas.
Moderation is Key
In summary, while it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to enjoy soda in moderation, it is crucial to be aware of caffeine and sugar intake. Limiting soda consumption to once or twice a week is often recommended. Additionally, ensuring a balanced diet rich in nutrients will support both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. As always, if there are any concerns or specific dietary needs, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Can drinking soda make a baby gassy?

Breastmilk is made from what passes into mom’s blood, not what is in her stomach or digestive track. Below are a few common questions that moms have about breastfeeding and gassy babies. Can drinking carbonated sodas cause gas in baby? No.

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.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding for a gassy baby?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

What does soda do to milk?

milk and soda come together and sink to the bottom leaving a clear substance. As a result, the protein in milk attached to the acid in the soda causing it to curdle resulting in a chemical change.

Is it bad to drink soda while breastfeeding?

Try drinking a glass of water or another healthy, unsweetened beverage every time you breastfeed. And try to limit drinks with added sugars — like soda and sports drinks. It’s usually safe to have up to 300 milligrams of caffeine a day (the amount in about 3 cups of coffee) — but your doctor may recommend less.

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.

What not to do when breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

  1. Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
  2. Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
  3. Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How long does it take for soda to leave breast milk?

Caffeine does pass into breastmilk, however baby gets about 1.5% of the amount of caffeine that the nursing parent gets (Berlin, Denson, Daniel & Ward 1984). The half-life of caffeine is about 97.5 hours in a newborn, 14 hours in a 3-5-month-old baby and 2.6 hours in a baby older than 6 months.

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.

Is eating too much sugar bad when breastfeeding?

As highly processed foods are generally low in essential nutrients and may affect your child’s food preferences later in life, it’s recommended that breastfeeding moms limit their intake of foods that are high in added sugars and processed fats.

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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