Bfing and Caffeine ? need answer ASAP PLEASE

[Taylor's Mommy]

HI,

I know I have read it somewhere, but how long can caffeine stay in your system?  I had a latte 2 hours ago and am ready to feed in about 1/2 hour.  Should I give her a bottle of ebm instead?

thanks!
Andrea

[marlowho]

Just found this- don't know if you've already decided- but I really don't think you should worry about it.  She will get a very small/diluted amount if any.  One latte is not enough to worry imo.
But I can't remember the time frame- sorry!

[GraceKellysmom]

Some babies aren't affected by moderate amounts of caffiene and some are. At 4 months old, it is unlikely to make a difference. Although I have to ask - how will you sleep tonight?  :lol:  My caffiene cut-off is noon.  :lol:

[Taylor's Mommy]

thanks for responding.  I went ahead and went for it since I figured it was just a latte and not a triple shot of espresso or anything!  We shall see how I sleep tonight, as I haven't had any caffeine since she was born.  But today I needed something REALLY BAD!  I dozed off in the middle of her 3 pm feeding and was totally useless all day. 
thanks again

[annamum]

I am just curious how you lo took it. And whether you could sleep tonight? My dd was/still is extremely sensitive to caffeine. And remember, caffeine accumulates in baby's system, stays there longer, so if, for example, you have another latte tomorrow, she may have problems with sleeping tomorrow but sleep just fine today.

[deb]

As I sit here chugging my AM Diet Coke at 5 in the morning :? , I'v found I have to set myself a caffeine curfew of about 7AM. Anything after that can mess up Natalie's entire day.

Another option you have if you need a boost mid-day is exercise. Even if you're tired, putting baby in stroller and getting out, whether outdoors or in the mall or even the grocery store, or put in an exercise video during baby's nap (yeah, I know, you'd rather nap yourself! LOL), or even get a jump rope and put on a couple minutes with that. Hard to get motivated, but no worries about messing up your sleep or baby's later.

[Taylor's Mommy]

well I slept okay last night and so did dd, so I'm assuming the latte was not too powerful.  As a matter of fact I didn't really feel that energized after wards!  Deb, great suggestion on exercise.  We go for our walk first thing every morning, but then don't tend to do much exercise after that...so I should probably try when I am feeling really tired in teh middle of the day.

thanks!

[joslil]

I am a big coffee drinker and have 2 to 3 mugs each morning.  I have read that as long as you drink it while you are pregnant, it will not bother the baby once he is here.  I also read that it takes 5 cups for it to be detected in breast milk.  My doctor said the reason caffeine is frowned upon so heavily is because most people who drink coffee are going to also smoke and drink alcohol.  I thought this was interesting.  I do notice that colas or soft drinks and excess amounts of chocolate bother my kids, but I rarely have them, so they would not be used to this form of caffeine.

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Caffeine is also a diuretic, so you need to make sure you're drinking a lot of fluids on top of it, otherwise your milk supply could become affected.

And Deb - I think you'd make a great work out partner - you're really motivating!