Can I Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding? A Science-Based Guide

Quick answer: Most breastfeeding moms can safely drink 2 to 3 small cups per day. But the topic is more nuanced👇.

If you’re a new mom, chances are you’re surviving on very little sleep - and the thought of giving up coffee feels impossible. One of the most common questions I hear as a lactation dietitian is: “Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?” The short answer is: Yes, most moms can - but with a few important considerations. Let’s dig into what the research actually says.

How Caffeine Works While Breastfeeding

• Caffeine is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream and peaks within about 60 to 120 minutes after drinking (1).

• A small amount of caffeine does pass into breast milk, usually less than 1% of the dose you consume (1).

• Babies, especially newborns, metabolize caffeine much more slowly than adults. For some, this can mean irritability, wakefulness, or fussiness if intake is too high.

  
  

How Much Coffee Is Safe?

Research shows that moderate caffeine intake - up to 200 to 300 mg per day (about 2 - 3 small cups of coffee) is generally considered safe while breastfeeding (2), although the recommendations vary slightly around the world.

• United States

  The CDC recommend pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, while breastfeeding women can have up to 300 mg per day (3).

  
  

• Canada

  Health Canada recommends a limit of 300 mg of caffeine per day for both pregnancy and breastfeeding (4).

  
  

• European Union

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day (5).

  
  

• UK

  The National Health Service (NHS) recommends to limit caffeine to 200 mg per day during pregnancy (6) and 300 mg per day while breastfeeding (7).

  
  

• Australia and New Zealand

  Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day (8)

Whether you want to limit your caffeine intake to 300 mg or 200 mg per day or even below that depends on you and your baby's caffeine tolerance because some babies react to even small amounts of caffeine, so it's best to alway watch your baby for any changes in sleep, irritability and behavior and decide from there.

But let's talk about how much coffee and other caffeine-rich beverages this translates to👇.

Caffeine in standard beverages* (9)

• Cup of coffee (8 oz): 96 mg

• Shot of espresso (1 oz): 63 mg

• Decaf coffee (8 oz): 1 mg

• Brewed black tea (8 oz): 48 mg

• Brewed green tea (8 oz): 29 mg

• Cola (8 oz): 33 mg

• Sprite (8 oz): 0 mg

• Energy drinks (8 oz): 80 to 150 mg (check label)

• Coffee shop drinks: varies (check this site for your favorite drink)

*the exact amount of caffeine in beverages like coffee and tea varies and depends on type, brew method, roast level etc.

👉 This means you may be able to safely drink 2 to 3 small (8 oz) cups of coffee per day.

I say "may" because you should still adjust your intake of caffeinated beverages according to baby's symptoms because several factors affect whether your baby will, in fact, tolerate a small amount of caffeine in breast milk.

Factors That Affect Your Baby’s Sensitivity

1. Age of Baby:

   • Newborns (especially preemies) are more sensitive to caffeine.

   • By 3 to 6 months, most babies metabolize caffeine more efficiently.

     
     

2. Your Own Metabolism:

   • Some moms naturally metabolize caffeine slower or faster (genetic variation in the CYP1A2 enzyme).

     
     

3. Timing of Feeds:

   • Drinking coffee right after a feeding may minimize how much caffeine is in your milk by the time baby eats again.

Signs Your Baby Might Be Sensitive

While most babies tolerate moderate caffeine well, watch for:

• Trouble settling to sleep

• Irritability or unusual fussiness

• Jitteriness

• Trembling/excessive muscle movement

If you notice these signs and you’re drinking multiple cups per day, try cutting back and see if symptoms improve.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Coffee While Breastfeeding

• Stick to 2 to 3 small cups daily (≤ 300 mg caffeine).

• Drink coffee after breastfeeding instead of right before.

• Choose smaller sizes (skip the 20 oz drive-thru latte).

• Watch out for hidden caffeine in teas, sodas, chocolate or energy drinks.

• If your baby is preterm or under 3 months, consider limiting intake further.

Bottom Line

Yes - you can usually enjoy coffee while breastfeeding, especially in moderation. Every baby is different, so pay attention to how yours responds and adjust if needed.

☕ Want a cozy fall recipe that’s breastfeeding-friendly? My Lactation Pumpkin Spice Latte tastes creamy and comforting - with real pumpkin and Lactation Superfoods. Full recipe and more like it in the TLNourish App!

About the Author

This article was written by Marina Lane, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor with a passion for helping moms nourish themselves and their babies. As a mother of two who were both breastfed until age 3, Marina combines professional expertise with personal experience to provide evidence-based advice and support to breastfeeding moms. With her background in nutrition and lactation, she offers practical, science-backed insights to help you navigate your breastfeeding journey with confidence.

References

1. National Library of Medicine. Caffeine. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine (US). Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501467/

2. Hirani SA, Souter AR. Effects of Caffeine on Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants: A Scoping Review. Clinical Lactation. 2024;15(3-4):133. doi:10.1891/CL-2023-0036.

3. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). Caffeine. MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582613/

4. Health Canada. Caffeine in foods. Government of Canada. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/caffeine-foods.html

5. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine. EFSA Journal. 2015;13(5):4102. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4102

6. NHS. Foods to avoid in pregnancy. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/

7. NHS. Food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding. Start for Life. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/healthy-diet-when-breastfeeding/food-and-drinks-to-avoid-when-breastfeeding/

8. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Supporting document 1 – Safety assessment of caffeine (P1056 – Caffeine review). December 19, 2022. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/sites/default/files/food-standards-code/proposals/Documents/P1056%20SD1%201st%20CFS%20Safety%20Assessment.pdf

9. Mayo Clinic Staff. Caffeine: How much is too much? Mayo Clinic. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372