Can I eat coffee while breastfeeding?
US breastfeeding food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
Guidelines suggest limiting caffeine intake to 200–300 mg daily while breastfeeding to minimize infant exposure.
Read more details
According to the CDC and ACOG, moderate caffeine consumption (approximately 200 to 300 mg per day) is considered compatible with breastfeeding. While caffeine transfers into breast milk, the amount is typically less than 1% of the maternal dose. However, the rate at which infants metabolize caffeine varies significantly by age. Newborns and preterm infants have a much longer caffeine half-life, meaning the substance remains in their systems longer than in older infants or adults. Excessive maternal intake—generally defined as more than 300 mg daily—is associated with infant symptoms including irritability, jitteriness, and poor sleep patterns. Monitoring the infant's behavior is recommended, as individual sensitivity can vary. The FDA suggests 400 mg as a limit for the general population, but breastfeeding guidelines emphasize a more conservative approach to prevent accumulation in the infant.
Energy Drinks
Limit caffeine intake to 200–300 mg per day.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Herbal Teas
Not sure about other foods?
Snap a photo to check instantly
Safer Choices
Decaffeinated Coffee
- Contains minimal caffeine, reducing the risk of infant exposure.
- Contains approximately 2-5 mg of caffeine per cup
- Provides a similar flavor profile with minimal risk of infant stimulation
Herbal Teas
- Many are naturally caffeine-free; however, verify ingredients to ensure safety during breastfeeding.
Water
- Staying hydrated supports overall health and milk production without caffeine intake.
Milk
- Provides essential nutrients and hydration without caffeine.
Fruit Juices
- Offer vitamins and hydration; choose varieties without added sugars.
Single-shot espresso beverages
- A single shot typically contains about 63 mg of caffeine
- Easily fits within the recommended 200-300 mg daily limit
Half-caffeine blends
- Mixing equal parts regular and decaffeinated beans reduces total caffeine by 50%
- Allows for multiple servings while maintaining a lower cumulative dose
Standard 8-ounce servings
- Measuring portions helps ensure caffeine intake remains within the 200-300 mg range
- Prevents accidental overconsumption common with oversized mugs or 'venti' sizes
Risks & Limits
Energy Drinks
- Often contain high caffeine levels and additional stimulants that may affect infants.
High-Caffeine Sodas
- Can contribute to excessive caffeine intake; check labels for caffeine content.
Chocolate
- Contains caffeine; excessive consumption can contribute to total caffeine intake.
Certain Medications
- Some over-the-counter drugs contain caffeine; consult healthcare providers before use.
Energy drinks and shots
- Often contain high concentrations of caffeine and unregulated herbal stimulants like guarana
- Safety data for many additives in these drinks is limited for breastfeeding populations
Concentrated cold brew
- The long steeping process often results in significantly higher caffeine levels than standard drip coffee
- A single serving may exceed 200 mg depending on the dilution ratio
Excessive daily consumption
- Intake exceeding 300 mg per day is linked to infant fussiness and sleep disturbances
- Cumulative effects from coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate must be considered
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on CDC, FDA, NIH, Mayo Clinic published guidance
-
1Limit caffeine intake to 200–300 mg per day.
-
2Monitor infant for signs of caffeine sensitivity.
-
3Choose decaffeinated or caffeine-free beverages when possible.
-
4Be aware of hidden caffeine sources in foods and medications.
-
5Consult healthcare providers regarding caffeine consumption, especially for preterm or younger infants.
-
6Maintain adequate hydration with non-caffeinated fluids.
-
7Spread caffeine consumption throughout the day to minimize peak levels in breast milk.