Alarm bells for nursing moms: can decaf coffee zap your milk supply?

Breastfeeding mothers often wonder if decaf coffee can decrease milk supply. This is a valid concern, as caffeine is known to have a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can, in turn, decrease milk production. However, the research on the effects of decaf coffee on milk supply is mixed.

What the Research Says

Some studies have shown that decaf coffee can decrease milk supply, while others have found no effect. One study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that women who drank two cups of decaf coffee per day had a 20% decrease in milk production. However, another study, published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine, found that women who drank up to four cups of decaf coffee per day had no decrease in milk production.

Factors that Affect Milk Supply

There are many factors that can affect milk supply, including:

• The mother’s diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to increase milk production.
• The mother’s hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining milk production.
• The baby’s demand: The more often the baby nurses, the more milk the mother’s body will produce.
• The mother’s stress level: Stress can decrease milk production.
• The mother’s medications: Some medications can decrease milk production.

How to Increase Milk Supply

If you are concerned that decaf coffee is decreasing your milk supply, there are several things you can do to increase it:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water per day.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to increase milk production.
• Nurse your baby frequently: The more often the baby nurses, the more milk the mother’s body will produce.
• Get enough rest: Stress can decrease milk production, so it is important to get enough rest.
• Talk to your doctor: If you are concerned about your milk supply, talk to your doctor. They can help you to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting your milk production.

Summary

The research on the effects of decaf coffee on milk supply is mixed. Some studies have shown that decaf coffee can decrease milk production, while others have found no effect. If you are concerned that decaf coffee is decreasing your milk supply, there are several things you can do to increase it.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can decaf coffee decrease milk supply?

A: Some studies have shown that decaf coffee can decrease milk production, while others have found no effect.

Q: What are the other factors that can affect milk supply?

A: The mother’s diet, hydration, the baby’s demand, the mother’s stress level, and the mother’s medications can all affect milk supply.

Q: How can I increase my milk supply?

A: You can increase your milk supply by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, nursing your baby frequently, getting enough rest, and talking to your doctor if you are concerned about your milk supply.