Yes, but in moderation. Caffeine passes into breast milk 1 to 3 hours after the mother has consumed it and it can accumulate in the child's body.
However, it seems that the amount of caffeine found in breast milk is low and should not affect the child. Taken in moderation, caffeine is permitted in lactating women.
For pregnant women, Health Canada recommends a maximum consumption of 300 mg of caffeine per day. This recommendation also applies to breastfeeding women, since a moderate consumption of caffeine is equivalent to 2 cups of coffee per day, or 120 mg to 360 mg of caffeine depending on the type of coffee.
It is not certain that coffee consumption in the mother affects the sleep of her child. However, if you notice your child cries more, he is moody or has difficulty sleeping, stop caffeine intake and observe whether his condition improves.
WHERE IS CAFFEINE FOUND?
Caffeine is found in coffee and tea (hot or iced), soft drinks, chocolate and even some medicine.
| Food or beverage |
Portion |
Average caffeine amount (mg) |
| Percolator coffee |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
103-200 (~ 118) |
| Filter coffee |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
103-200 (~ 179) |
| Instant coffee |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
27-173 |
| Decaf coffee |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
3-15 |
| Regular mixed tea |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
43 |
| Green tea |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
30 |
| Tea (leaves or bags) |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
50 |
| Espresso coffee |
30 ml / 1 oz |
30-90 |
| Regular soft drink (cola) |
1 can (355ml/12 oz) |
36-46 |
| Sweetened iced tea |
1 can (355 ml/12 oz) |
15-67 |
| Hot chocolate (1 pouch) |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
5 |
| Chocolate milk |
250 ml (1 cup) / 8 oz |
8 |
| Milk chocolate |
28 g/1 oz |
7 |
| Dark chocolate |
28 g/1 oz |
3-23 |
For more information on caffeine content of certain brand items, click
here and
here.
Theobromine, a substance that causes the same effects as caffeine, is also present in chocolate. It should therefore be consumed in moderation.
For coffee lovers who drink several cups a day, grain coffee (eg Caf-Lib or Postum) is an interesting alternative to coffee because it is made from chicory. It is a vegetable drink, natural, containing no coffee or caffeine. Grain coffee can be easily found in grocery stores.
