Mummy Buzz

Apr
19
2012

Caffeine Safe During Pregnancy, While Breastfeeding

Moderation Key

Good news for moms who struggle to get going in the morning. It seems that, contrary to popular belief, a little java in your cuppa may not be as harmful to baby as you have been led to believe. 

This, according to a new study in Pediatrics. Of course, size matters. So before you go ahead and blithely order that Venti, a word of warning: experts at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that 200 milligrams of caffeine (approximately a 12-ounce cup of coffee) won't harm your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

"I think this report adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy is generally safe," said chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. William H. Barth Jr..
 
Much more than 300mg, though, might disturb new babies' sleep, causing "jitteriness," fussiness and poor sleep in babies, according to Dr. Lauren Hanley, an obstetrician specializing in breastfeeding issues.
 
It seems the Buddhists are onto something. Moderation being key in all things, even caffeine consumption. Who knew? 
 
Did you go cold turkey on the coffee while pregnant or breastfeeding? Will this study convince you that it's ok to indulge a little?