Can I Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?

If you're a breastfeeding mom wondering whether you can still enjoy your daily cup of coffee, the good news is—yes! However, understanding how caffeine affects breastmilk and your baby can help you make informed choices about your coffee consumption.

How Does Caffeine Affect Breastfeeding?

Caffeine is a small molecule with high bioavailability, meaning it does enter breastmilk. However, most babies are not affected by caffeine unless exposed to excessive amounts. The amount of caffeine that passes into breastmilk is about 1% of what the mother consumes, and it typically peaks in breastmilk around 60 minutes after consumption.

For newborns and babies between 3-5 months old, it is generally recommended to limit caffeine intake to 300mg per day. This is because at 3-4 months old, it can still take a baby three hours or more to process caffeine, meaning it stays in their system longer than in an adult's.

How to Minimize Caffeine’s Impact While Breastfeeding

The good news? You don’t have to give up coffee entirely while breastfeeding! Here are some tips to enjoy coffee while keeping your baby’s caffeine exposure minimal:

☕ Time Your Coffee Wisely: Since caffeine levels in breastmilk peak around one hour after consumption, having your coffee right before or immediately after breastfeeding may reduce the amount your baby absorbs in the next feeding.

☕ Observe Your Baby: Every baby metabolizes caffeine differently. If your little one becomes jittery, fussy, or restless beyond their normal temperament, you might want to cut back on caffeine.

☕ Switch to Lower Caffeine Options: If you want to reduce your intake without giving up your coffee ritual, Mumma Buzz offers chemical-free Half-Caf and Decaf options with the same great taste and proprietary roasting process as our Full-Caf blend.

Finding Your Perfect Balance

Every mother’s tolerance to caffeine is different, and too much caffeine can sometimes lead to a fussy or unsettled baby. If you notice any signs of irritability, consider switching from Full-Caf to Half-Caf or Decaf for some or all of your daily cups. Mumma Buzz makes it easy to mix and match, so you can still enjoy your coffee moments while supporting both your body and your baby’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding moms don’t have to say goodbye to coffee! By being mindful of your caffeine intake and choosing the right blends, you can continue to enjoy your coffee ritual without worry. Mumma Buzz offers the perfect balance of flavor and function, with options that support your motherhood journey—one sip at a time.

☕ Try Mumma Buzz today and enjoy coffee made for moms like you!

Sources:

Crozier TWM, Stalmach A, Lean MEJ, Crozier A (2011). Espresso Coffees, Caffeine, and Chlorogenic Acid Intake: Potential Health Implications. Food and Function. DOI: 10.1039/c1fo10240k
Liston J (1998). Breastfeeding and the Use of Recreational Drugs – Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine, and Marijuana. Breastfeeding Review, 6(2): 27–30.