Caffeine + Breastfeeding: Will You Have a Wired Baby?

You didn't miss the wine or sushi while you were pregnant -- it was coffee you craved. Now that your baby has arrived, can you indulge in a morning cup of joe? Check out my latest article over at Care.com that explores the ins and outs of consuming caffeine while breastfeeding.

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You didn't miss the wine or sushi while you were pregnant -- it was coffee you craved. Now that your baby has arrived, can you indulge in a morning cup of joe?

You passed on your venti vanilla latte for nine long months, but now that your baby is here, can you indulge in your favorite afternoon pick-me-up? Here's a guide to consuming caffeine while breastfeeding.

Can You Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding? "Research that has looked at this question suggests that most babies will do fine if mom drinks a few cups of coffee per day," says Alice Callahan, a college instructor and the author of "The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby's First Year."

"We tell moms that if you want a cup of coffee, go ahead," says Colette M. Acker, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and founder of The Breastfeeding Resource Center. "A cup of coffee, but not a whole pot."

You shouldn't worry about hurting your baby by consuming caffeine while breastfeeding, as "it takes quite a bit of caffeine to affect a baby," says Acker. But you should always pay close attention to what you're eating and drinking, since it does pass to your baby through your breast milk.

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READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE.