For generations, new mothers have been told to avoid a laundry list of foods while they’re breastfeeding. Coffee is often the first on that list, with many families believing that a single cup will make a baby restless or reduce breast milk production. But is that true?
Short answer: No and yes, breastfeeding mums can have coffee – just in moderation.
Here’s to debunking a few myths around breastfeeding and coffee
Myth 1: You have to cut all coffee out when breastfeeding
Maybe that's the biggest misconception. Caffeine does pass into breast milk, but in minuscule amounts. Studies indicate that less than 1-2% of the caffeine consumed by the mother enters breast milk and is unlikely to cause harm in healthy, full-term infants when consumed in moderation. Maternal caffeine intake of 200–300 mg/day during breast-feeding is generally considered safe (U.S. National Library of Medicine, LactMed Database, updated 2026).
Most international health authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), support this recommendation. But caffeine is not only found in coffee. Tea, chocolate, cola, energy drinks and some medicines all contribute to your daily total intake.
Myth 2: Coffee decreases breast milk supply
Many women are worried that coffee will dry up their milk. Interestingly, there is no strong scientific evidence to support this belief.
The LactMed Database states that moderate caffeine consumption does not significantly reduce breast milk production. Rather, to increase breast milk production, consume plenty of fluids and eat nutrient-rich galactagogue foods like oats, fenugreek, green leafy vegetables (spinach), almonds, and garlic. Breastfeeding often is much more important to establishing and sustaining a healthy milk supply.
Myth 3: All babies will react to caffeine the same way
Not necessarily.
Caffeine is metabolised much more slowly in babies, especially in premature ones. Babies’ ability to break down caffeine improves a lot as they get older, usually by 3–5 months of age.
A systematic review published in the journal Paediatrics reports that moderate maternal caffeine intake rarely causes clinically significant problems in infants, but excessive consumption may occasionally cause irritability in some infants. But every baby is different. If a mother finds that her baby is persistently fussy, unusually irritable or disturbed in sleep after she has drunk large amounts of caffeine, it may be worth cutting down for a few days to see if there is any change.
Other Food Myths During Breastfeeding – More Than Coffee
There are myths about more than just coffee.
Many mothers are advised not to eat spicy foods, cabbage, cauliflower, citrus fruits or pulses, as it is thought that these cause gas or colic in babies. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) do not recommend routinely eliminating these foods unless a baby has a diagnosed allergy or intolerance.
A lactating diet focuses on consuming a calorie-dense diet and foods that are rich in variety and nutrients, which is best for mothers and should include complex carbohydrates, whole grains, millets, oats, and brown rice.
Protein-rich sources like eggs, lentils, milk & milk products. Vitamins & minerals: prioritising calcium-rich foods like dairy, ragi, and green leafy vegetables and iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, lean meat, rice flakes, milk & eggs.
Also include plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and plenty of fluids. If you’re eating too little and there is no medical reason for your condition, you may be at increased risk for nutritional deficiencies and unnecessary stress during the postpartum period.
Practical Advice for Moms
• If you love coffee, you don’t have to stop drinking it completely after delivery.
• Try to keep your total caffeine intake to about 200-300 mg per day.
• Track caffeine from tea, chocolate, energy drinks and soft drinks.
• If your baby is premature or less than a month old, you might want to eat smaller amounts of caffeine, as newborns clear caffeine more slowly.
• If you observe your baby becoming unusually irritable after high caffeine intake, reduce consumption and consult your healthcare provider.
• Don’t avoid certain foods without evidence, and instead focus on overall nutrition.
One of the best ways to help an infant grow, stay healthy and develop a strong immune system for life is breastfeeding. Mothers are often overwhelmed by well-meaning intentions about dietary restrictions, but much of it is based on tradition and not science.
Evidence from the LactMed Database, the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) and published research in Paediatrics indicates that moderate coffee consumption is generally safe during breastfeeding.
Instead of giving up coffee altogether, mothers should aim to eat a well-rounded diet, drink enough fluids and practise healthy breastfeeding, getting personalised advice from qualified healthcare professionals when necessary.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
