Will coffee decrease my milk supply?

The Relationship Between Coffee and Milk Supply
For many breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether coffee consumption affects milk supply is a common concern. The good news is that research indicates that coffee does not decrease breast milk production. In fact, studies have shown that caffeine, the primary active ingredient in coffee, has little to no negative impact on lactation.
Understanding Caffeine’s Effects
Caffeine is absorbed into breast milk, but only in small amounts—approximately 1% of the caffeine consumed by the mother ends up in her milk. This means that while your morning cup of coffee may give you a boost, it won’t significantly affect your baby’s caffeine levels. Moreover, some studies suggest that caffeine might even have a stimulating effect on milk production, contrary to common fears.
Common Misconceptions
Many women worry that everyday activities, including drinking coffee, could hinder their ability to produce milk. However, experts from institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine affirm that caffeine consumption has not been shown to decrease milk supply. Instead, factors such as stress, dehydration, and certain medications are more likely to impact lactation negatively.
The Bottom Line
In summary, if you’re a breastfeeding mother who enjoys coffee, you can generally continue to indulge without fear of harming your milk supply. The caffeine content is minimal in breast milk, and it appears that moderate coffee consumption is safe and may not only be harmless but could potentially support milk production. So, feel free to savor that cup of coffee—your milk supply is likely to remain unaffected.

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

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.

How long should I wait to pump after drinking coffee?

After you’ve had coffee, you have up to an hour to feed before it reaches your breast milk. If you miss that window, you’ll most likely have metabolised the caffeine within 3-5 hours.

What drinks increase milk supply?

Plain water, cow’s milk, herbal tea, smoothies, coconut water, and juice are good drink options during lactation. If you’re worried about your milk supply, speak with your obstetrician. You could also consider working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

Can coffee cause gas in breastfed babies?

Caffeine: Caffeine and breastfeeding can be mixed but should be limited. Two to three cups of coffee, or 200-300 mg, per day is considered safe to consume while breastfeeding. Any more than that may give your baby gas, digestive troubles or keep them awake and fussy.

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.

Does caffeine ruin a pump?

The take-home message when it comes to caffeine is that you shouldn’t shy away from it before your workouts. Not only can caffeine help boost your energy production, but it can also get you dialed in and enhance your muscle pumps and vasodilation.

Does coffee affect breast milk supply?

2. Coffee, soda, or alcohol, in moderation. 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.

How many cups of coffee is too much while breastfeeding?

It’s recommended to limit your caffeine intake while breastfeeding, as small amounts can pass into your breast milk, building up in your baby over time. Still, up to 300 mg — about 2–3 cups (470–710 ml) of coffee or 3–4 cups (710–946 ml) of tea — per day is generally considered safe.