Yes, in moderation. Less than 1–2 % of the caffeine passes into breast milk. Up to 200–300 mg per day is considered safe. Reduce intake if your baby is restless or has sleep problems. Ideally, drink it right after breastfeeding.

Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?

Yes, in moderation. Less than 1–2 % of the caffeine passes into breast milk. Up to 200–300 mg per day is considered safe. Reduce intake if your baby is restless or has sleep problems. Ideally, drink it right after breastfeeding.

Why that is the case

Many mothers completely avoid coffee while breastfeeding — out of fear that the baby might not tolerate the caffeine. The good news: moderate coffee consumption is generally unproblematic during the breastfeeding period.

What happens with the caffeine:

• Only 1–2 % of the consumed caffeine reaches the breast milk.
• The caffeine level in breast milk peaks about 1–2 hours after drinking coffee.
• Newborns (under 3 months) metabolize caffeine much slower than adults — the half-life can be up to 100 hours.
• From 3–5 months onwards, the baby’s caffeine metabolism speeds up significantly.

Recommendations:

• General: Up to 200–300 mg of caffeine per day (2–3 cups of filter coffee) is considered safe.
• Timing: Drink it right after breastfeeding — then the caffeine has time to break down before the next feeding is due.
• Observation: If the baby is restless, sleeps poorly, or cries more frequently, try reducing your caffeine intake and observe if anything changes.

For very young babies (under 3 months): Be more cautious, as caffeine metabolism is still very slow. A single espresso a day is a good benchmark.

Do not forget: Tea, cola, and chocolate also contain caffeine.

In practice at Green Wall Coffee

At Sophienstraße 27, young mothers often stop by — and yes, they are allowed to drink coffee. My tip: enjoy an espresso after breastfeeding, in peace. It’s a small piece of normality that you should treat yourself to.

Related Questions

• How much coffee can I drink during pregnancy?
• How many cups of coffee a day are safe?
• How long does caffeine stay in the body?

Stop by at Sophienstraße 27 — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.