While breastfeeding, it is generally considered safe to consume up to 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee. This limit is supported by several health authorities including the NHS, CDC, La Leche League International, and others

. Key points to consider:

• Caffeine passes into breast milk and can affect some babies, causing fussiness, irritability, restlessness, or sleep disturbances, especially in newborns and preterm infants who metabolize caffeine more slowly

• To minimize effects on the baby, it is recommended to time caffeine intake so that you breastfeed before consuming caffeine and wait at least three hours before the next feeding

• High caffeine intake (above 300-500 mg daily) has been linked to increased infant fussiness and may reduce weight gain or iron content in breast milk, so staying within recommended limits is important

• If you notice your baby is sensitive to caffeine, consider reducing intake or substituting with caffeine-free beverages for a few weeks to observe any changes

In summary, moderate caffeine consumption up to 200-300 mg daily is safe while breastfeeding, but individual babies may react differently, so monitoring your baby’s behavior is advisable.