Website design By BotEap.comOne of the main questions breastfeeding mothers have is about breastfeeding and caffeine. While caffeine seems to have little effect on most babies, it can be a problem in premature babies and babies younger than six months. There has been no research confirming the myth that it will kill the milk supply, and very little of it gets into breast milk. However, if your baby is sensitive, it can make him a little more lively or fussy. You don’t have to completely eliminate it from your diet, but it’s a good rule of thumb to keep it below 800mg / day.
Website design By BotEap.comAnd now you’re thinking “ummm, how do I know how much caffeine is in what I’m eating or drinking?” Unfortunately, caffeine is not one of the items listed in the Nutrition Facts on the back of everything. I think it should be, but that’s the way I am. Either way, if caffeine is one of the first five ingredients in what you are eating or drinking, it is safe to say that the caffeine content is quite high. Limit those things. But I also have a handy little diagram for you. Just know that the things in it are going to change slightly according to brands, but here is the basics.
Website design By BotEap.comCoffee – There is generally between 120 and 200 mg in an 8 oz cup
Chocolate: You will find 10 mg in 2 oz (that’s about 3/8 mm cup)
Soda – Cola is approximately 35-50 mg / 12 oz can; Mt Dew is about 55mg (click here for a large list)
Tea: about 40-120 (depending on brand) caffeine per 8 oz cup
Website design By BotEap.comAnd here’s a surprise: decaf coffee has 5mg of caffeine per 8oz cup! I guess they can’t get it all out!
Website design By BotEap.comSo if you are a coffee drinker, keep it below 5 cups (or switch to decaf). If you are addicted to chocolate, try not to eat all that Easter bunny in one sitting. And for those of us who are addicted to Mt. Dew, try cutting it down to 5-6 cans per day.
Website design By BotEap.comLook, when you put it that way, it doesn’t seem so bad.
