Mind Body Doula

Caffeine + Breastfeeding☕️

While caffeine does transfer to breastmilk, only about 1% of the caffeine is consumed by a nursing baby! To err on the side of caution, about 200-300mg/day of caffeine is recommended for those who are nursing - that is the equivalent about 3 8oz cups of coffee!

If you’re worried your baby is sensitive to caffeine, then it’s recommended to wait 2 hours after consuming caffeine to nurse. Caffeine peaks in your blood about 1 hour of consumption, so you could also try drinking coffee during a feed to avoid caffeine in your milk!

How to help boost the microbiome of babies born via cesarean:

The vaginal canal provides babies with microbial exposure that is beneficial to babies’ immune system development and gut health! So how can we help cesarean born babies boost their microbiome? 🦠

•During skin to skin time, kiss baby’s hands and then let them suck on their fingers. This transfer of the birthing person’s saliva contains that microbiome boost!

•Breastfeed if possible - even short term! Colostrum and breastmilk can compensate the microbes found in the vaginal canal.

•Talk to your pediatrician about adding some probiotic drops to your baby’s milk/formula!

Babies born via cesarean can thrive just as much as a baby born vaginally. This post is not intended to produce any guilt or shame! I’ve been in such beautiful emergency and planned cesareans. Cesarean births require so much strength and love for yourself and baby! Just look at this photo!!!!

📷 by me!!