Pregnant or breastfeeding and wondering if you have to give up your morning coffee? Good news: you probably don`t.
PREGNANCY: ACOG recommends keeping caffeine intake below 200 mg per day during pregnancy. That is roughly the amount in one 12-ounce cup of coffee, although caffeine content can vary quite a bit depending on the type and where you buy it.
BREASTFEEDING: Caffeine does pass into breast milk in small amounts. The CDC considers about 300 mg or less per day a low-to-moderate amount that usually does not adversely affect a breastfed baby. ACOG offers a more conservative guideline of about 200 mg per day.
A few coffee-loving reminders: • Count caffeine from ALL sources, including coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications. • Coffee isn`t standardized. One "cup" from your favorite coffee shop may contain significantly more caffeine than another. • Newborn and premature babies process caffeine more slowly. If your baby seems unusually fussy, jittery, or has trouble sleeping, consider cutting back and talking with your baby`s healthcare provider.
So yes, for most mothers, coffee can still have a place during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Just keep an eye on that total caffeine for the day.
Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
ACOG: Caffeine During Pregnancy https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant
CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/diet-micronutrients/maternal-diet.
With the birth of my first son, it was a weird experience where labor took a really long time, but anytime I had to make a decision, it felt like it had to be made quickly. If you`ve given birth before, maybe you can relate. Birth can be one of those moments where you know what you want, but suddenly everything is happening at once and it is hard to think clearly. This is why having a doula is so important!
With a doula, you are still in charge of your birth. You just do not have to figure everything out in the middle of it alone.
Plans can change. Questions can come quickly. Decisions may need to be made while you are tired, uncomfortable, or processing a lot of information. Your doula is there to help you and your partner slow things down, remember the questions you wanted to ask, understand your options, and feel supported while you decide what feels right for you.
We do not make decisions for you. We help you feel more prepared and supported while you make them.
Imagine meeting your doula during pregnancy, having them by your side for birth, and welcoming that same familiar face into your home during the first weeks with your baby. Our families love having the same doula throughout their journey--and the doulas love it too!
Some of our doulas offer both birth and postpartum support. (Four of us are pictured here!) They get to know your hopes and preferences before labor, support you through birth, and then help you settle in at home during your baby`s first weeks.
❤There’s comfort in having someone who already knows your story.❤
If continuity of care is important to you, ask us about working with a doula who offers both services. We’ll talk through what support could look like based on your needs and our doulas’ availability.
I was at a conference this past week in North Carolina and discovered SEA TURTLE DOULAS! Locally, they call them "Nest Parents" and they are part of the NC Turtle Patrol, but I think they are actually turtle doulas.
They are there to make sure the babies have a safe journey from nest to sea. They know all kinds of turtle facts and could answer all of our questions. They care DEEPLY for these little creatures they are watching over. They sit night after night during the time when the nest is most likely to hatch to watch over the nests.
Sounds a bit like doulas, right? :)
I was lucky enough to watch a nest excavation and see two little sea turtle babies leave their nest, make the long journey to the ocean, and then swim away! Amazing!
Check out my stories--I will try to post a video of them flipping their way to the water!
It`s Child Passenger Safety Week! We are proud to have three Iowa Baby Ladies CPSTs in our group!
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician ensure your child’s seat is safe and secure at this free event on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Iowa Department of Public Safety building.
