Coffee may be your daily dose of magic: whatever its name is, coffee lovers might worry that giving it up during pregnancy could be hard. Although traditional wisdom advised limiting caffeine to only low amounts and as recommended by healthcare providers. However, experts now generally accept that moderate consumption can be safely managed during gestation as long as you take necessary precautions.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggests caffein consumption should be limited to 200mg daily – approximately equivalent to two cups of instant coffee. Caffeine can be found in energy drinks, cola drinks, tea, chocolate and some medications; be mindful when tallying up your total daily caffeine consumption.

Not all people respond the same to caffeine; therefore it’s essential to remember that every individual reacts differently. If you notice yourself becoming anxious and jittery when taking in too much, that could be a signal that too much coffee has entered your system and needs time to adjust. In such instances, drinking less coffee or even going completely off it for some days might help your system adjust more easily.

Consider what type of coffee and cup size you drink during pregnancy. A Starbucks large latte usually contains around 235mg of caffeine while Dunkin’ Donuts standard-sized coffee contains roughly 310mg. However, there are various kinds available – some even come equipped with nutrients that could aid your wellbeing during gestation.

If you can’t give up caffeine altogether, start slowly by switching to decaf. Caffeine content varies by brand; Lipton decaf might contain 16mg while Stash may have up to 30mg in its cup. Over time, gradually reduce both regular and decaf coffee until your daily intake reaches two small cups each day.

Be mindful when drinking coffee that it will take at least three hours for any caffeine to pass through breastmilk and avoid eating large meals prior to nursing as this could increase how much caffeine ends up in baby’s stomach.

If you are having difficulty cutting back to two small cups of coffee per day, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance about your specific caffeine requirements and their impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys. Your physician or midwife will have an in-depth knowledge of your pregnancy and reaction to caffeine, and can advise on an acceptable daily limit or other methods that could provide your caffeine fix without adversely impacting the growing baby. They may even suggest alternatives that might allow you to get your caffeine fix without worry for its effects on their unborn child. If your caffeine consumption has become an issue for you, your healthcare provider can also refer you to an expert for further support and information. This might include an expert registered dietitian who can offer tailored dietary advice tailored specifically for your situation and needs.