Limit caffeine consumption while breastfeeding!

Caffeine is a molecule found in many products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and some medicines. Experts state that caffeine, which is widely consumed in daily life, has many effects.

Altınbaş University Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty Member Dr. Betül Özbek made important statements about the effects of caffeine consumption on breast milk and the baby, especially during breastfeeding. Dr. Özbek said that breastfeeding mothers should consider their personal needs and health status when consuming caffeinated products. She noted that although caffeine intake improves the mood and energy levels of mothers, excessive consumption can have negative effects on babies. Therefore, she urged mothers to limit their caffeine intake and consult their doctors according to their specific conditions.

Dr. Özbek emphasized that the effects of caffeine that increase alertness, attention and energy levels are important for breastfeeding mothers. “The breastfeeding period is a period when mothers' sleep patterns are disrupted and fatigue levels increase. In this process, mothers may feel more energetic by turning to caffeine-containing products such as coffee or chocolate. However, the passage of caffeine into breast milk after a certain amount can have negative effects on the baby.”

What are the physical and psychological effects of caffeine?

Explaining the effects of caffeine on the body, Dr. Özbek said, “Caffeine is a molecule in the central nervous system that suppresses sleep and fatigue. It increases alertness by blocking the effect of the neurotransmitter called adenosine. It also promotes the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is associated with reward mechanisms in our brain, and caffeine can stimulate these mechanisms, increasing happiness, pleasure and feelings of well-being. However, excessive caffeine consumption can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness and insomnia.”

“Caffeine passes into breast milk within 1 hour”

Altınbaş University's Dr. Betül Özbek stated that the most important point to be considered about caffeine consumption for breastfeeding mothers is the duration of caffeine passage into breast milk.

“According to research, caffeine begins to be found in breast milk about one hour after breastfeeding mothers consume caffeine-containing products. Therefore, it is important for breastfeeding mothers to limit their caffeine intake,” Dr. Özbek said, noting that excess caffeine intake can have negative effects such as restlessness, tension and poor sleep patterns in babies.

“The milk of a mother who drinks 10 cups of coffee can cause sleep problems in the baby”

Dr. Özbek also mentioned the safe limits of caffeine consumption for nursing mothers. “Scientific studies show that mothers who drink 10 cups of coffee a day have side effects such as caffeine-induced restlessness and sleep problems in their babies. In addition, it has been found that the amount of iron in the milk of mothers who consume more than 450 ml of coffee per day may decrease and this may pose a risk of anemia in infants.” Dr. Özbek stated that the daily caffeine limit recommended by authorized health institutions in America and Europe for breastfeeding mothers is 200 mg. “Because preterm or low birth weight babies are more sensitive to caffeine, mothers of these babies should further limit their caffeine consumption,” she added.

Amount in products containing caffeine

Dr. Özbek also listed the caffeine content of some caffeinated beverages that are widely consumed in Türkiye as follows:

- 1 cup of Turkish Coffee (60 ml): 50-65 mg

- 1 shot Espresso (30 ml): 65-80 mg

- 240 ml Filter Coffee: 70-140 mg (average 95 mg)

- 240 ml Americano: 65-80 mg

- 240 ml Decaffeinated Coffee: 2-7 mg

- 240 ml Cold Brewed Coffee: 100 mg

- 240 ml Instant Coffee: 30-120 mg

Dr. Özbek emphasized that the amount of caffeine can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee used, brewing method and temperature. He also stated that black and green tea are also widely consumed and said, “A 240 ml serving of black or green tea contains an average of 30-50 mg of caffeine.”