Is Coffee Safe While Breastfeeding?
🍼 Here’s the Sip-by-Sip Guide
First things first: yes, Mama—you can absolutely have coffee while breastfeeding.
(We’ll pause while you exhale in relief and take a victory sip.)
But like many things in the motherhood zone, there are a few details worth knowing—especially if you’ve been running on sleepless nights and reheated hopes.
Let’s break it down so you can sip smarter, not just harder.
☕ So, Can I Drink Coffee While Nursing?
Short answer: Yes, in moderation.
Most experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say that 300 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for breastfeeding moms. That’s about two-three 8-oz cups of brewed coffee.
Of course, every baby and every body is different, so some little ones may be more sensitive than others. (Looking at you, wide-eyed 2 a.m. stare-down.)
🧠 How Does Caffeine Affect Breast Milk?
Only a small amount of the caffeine you consume ends up in your breast milk—about 1% or less. That said, newborns metabolize caffeine slower than adults, so if you’re chugging a pot a day and baby seems unusually restless, fussy, or sleepless, it might be worth scaling back.
➡ Pro Tip: The younger the baby, the more sensitive they might be to caffeine. Many moms find they can increase their intake as baby gets older.
💛 How to Sip Safely (Without Sacrificing Sanity)
Time your cup: Try enjoying coffee right after a feeding to give your body time to metabolize the caffeine before the next one.
Start small: If you’re not sure how your baby will respond, start with half-caff and see how things go.
Know your limit: Be mindful of other sources of caffeine (chocolate, tea, soda… energy drinks if you’re really desperate).
Stay hydrated: Coffee’s a diuretic. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water too.
💤 What If I Need to Cut Back?
We get it. Sometimes you want the comfort of the ritual without the full buzz. That’s why we created:
💛 Half Caff (Mommy’s Little Helper) – Perfect for the midday slump without going overboard.
🌙 Decaf (Mommy’s Night Off) – Made with the Swiss Water Process, so you get all the flavor with none of the chemicals.
☕ Final Sip:
Breastfeeding is a journey filled with questions, second-guessing, and so much Googling. But you can rest easy knowing that coffee (your sanity-saver) is still on the table—and in your mug.
So sip on, Mama.
Whether you’re doing full caff, half caff, or decaf, we’re here to keep you fueled, supported, and very much awake.
