You are a breastfeeding mother and want to know if you can drink cola. There is limited research on the topic, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions.
This article provides information on the possible benefits and risks of drinking cola while breastfeeding.
Can a Breastfeeding Mother Take Bitter Cola?
No, bitter cola is not safe to consume while breastfeeding. Consuming large amounts of caffeine from cola nuts during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, early delivery, and low birth weight. Furthermore, the caffeine from cola nuts can pass into breast milk, causing sleep disturbances, irritability, and increased bowel activity in breastfed infants.
Additionally, the caffeine in cola nuts might make anxiety disorders worse. While nursing mothers can eat small amounts of bitter foods, such as bitter gourd, it is important to consume it in moderation. Eating too much may lead to digestive problems such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is not recommended for nursing mothers to consume bitter cola while breastfeeding.
Benefits of taking cola while breastfeeding
1. Cola may increase milk supply and production
No, drinking cola during breastfeeding does not help increase milk supply and production. While there are no clinical studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of kola nut water in regulating breast milk supply, there is evidence that the occasional alcoholic beverage won’t negatively impact a parent’s milk supply.
However, in the long term, chronic alcohol consumption will negatively impact a parent’s milk supply and quality. Additionally, studies have shown that infants who are fed milk by parents who have consumed alcohol tend to take in less milk than from parents who were consuming a non-alcoholic placebo.
Furthermore, some plants, herbs, and medications, including cola nuts, can decrease milk supply. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink cola while breastfeeding to increase milk supply and production.
2. Cola may increase the levels of nutrients such as calcium and magnesium in breastmilk
Cola nut contains caffeine, which can increase the levels of nutrients such as calcium and magnesium in breast milk. Caffeine can increase calcium and magnesium by stimulating the mammary glands, which increases the production of milk, and by increasing the absorption of minerals and other nutrients from the diet.
Consuming cola nut in moderation (no more than 200-300 milligrams per day) can benefit breastfeeding mothers, as it can increase the levels of essential nutrients from the diet that are important for the proper growth and development of the baby.
3. Cola may increase the anti-inflammatory properties of breastmilk
Drinking cola can affect the anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk. Caffeine, which is found in cola, can increase the amount of calcium that is lost in the urine, leading to calcium deficiency in both the mother and the baby. This calcium deficiency can cause a decrease in the anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk.
Additionally, caffeine can increase the pressure inside the eye, cause irregular heartbeat in certain people, and can worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. For these reasons, nursing mothers need to monitor their cola intake and keep it to a minimum to reduce any potential negative effects on their babies.
4. Cola may help with gas, colic, and fussiness in babies
The benefits of drinking cola while breastfeeding include providing additional calcium to the nursing mother, promoting digestion, and improving sleep. Cola nut contains caffeine, which can help reduce anxiety, improve blood pressure and circulation, and can even act as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of toxins. Cola nut also has antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Furthermore, cola nuts can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, reduce the risk of heart conditions, and even help manage diabetes. However, it is important to keep in mind that caffeine in larger amounts can cause disturbances in sleep, irritability, and increased bowel movements in breastfed infants.
Therefore, nursing mothers should limit their intake of cola nuts to moderate levels.
5. Cola may decrease the risk of gastrointestinal infections in babies
The answer to this question is generally no, as cola contains caffeine, which can have various negative effects on babies while they are breastfeeding. Caffeine can pass into breast milk, which can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, and increased bowel activity in breastfed infants.
Furthermore, caffeine can also increase the chance of miscarriage, early delivery, and low birth weight in pregnant women. It can also worsen anxiety disorders and make bleeding disorders worse.
Additionally, consuming large amounts of caffeine can worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and increase pressure inside the eye. For these reasons, it is best to avoid consuming cola while breastfeeding as it may not be beneficial for the baby’s health.
Tips on how to enjoy the benefits of cola while reducing its risks for your baby
1. Consult a healthcare provider for advice
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for advice on how to enjoy the benefits of cola while reducing its risks for your baby, as the sugar and caffeine content of cola can hurt the growth and development of a baby.
The high sugar content in cola can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Caffeine can affect the baby’s sleep patterns, cause dehydration, and increase the risk of birth defects. Furthermore, cola can also contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives, the effects of which are not yet understood.
For these reasons, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for advice on how to enjoy the benefits of cola while reducing its risks for your baby. A healthcare provider can help by providing important information about a balanced diet and proper nutrition during pregnancy, to ensure that the baby is receiving the necessary nutrients and is not exposed to any harmful additives.
A healthcare provider can also provide advice on how to limit the amount of cola consumed during pregnancy, as well as what alternatives are available. By consulting a healthcare provider, expectant mothers can make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies.
2. Avoid excessive consumption
Consuming cola is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding as it can affect the quality of milk and milk production. Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of cola consumed to the recommended dose of caffeine per day which is 300 mg. Thus, it is suggested to keep the consumption of cola to one or two cans per day (each containing approximately 35 mg of caffeine) to obtain benefits and reduce risks for the baby.
FAQ
Is it safe for a breastfeeding mother to take bitter cola?
It is generally safe for a breastfeeding mother to take bitter cola in small amounts, as the caffeine content is relatively low and unlikely to cause any adverse effects. However, mothers should be aware that caffeine passes into breast milk and can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, and increased bowel activity in their infants.
Additionally, it is best to limit caffeine consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to below 200 mg per day, which is equivalent to the amount of caffeine found in two cups of coffee.
Furthermore, consuming bitter vegetables while breastfeeding is unlikely to have any impact on milk production, as the cooling and detoxifying effects of the vegetables may be beneficial to the mother’s health. Ultimately, it is important for breastfeeding mothers to practice moderation and consume cola beverages in moderation.
Is there a specific dose of bitter cola that a breastfeeding mother should take?
The general recommendation for a breastfeeding mother who intends to consume bitter cola is to keep their caffeine consumption below 200 mg per day. This is similar to the amount of caffeine found in about 2 cups of coffee.
For instance, if a mother drinks 1 cup of coffee, she should not consume more than 1 cup of bitter cola to stay within the recommended 200 mg of caffeine consumption. Additionally, mothers should also monitor their cola nut intake as larger doses might provide too much caffeine for pregnant and nursing women.
Is bitter kola good while breastfeeding?
When it comes to breastfeeding, many mothers are concerned with what they can or can’t eat. Bitter kola, a plant native to Africa, has been used by Africans for centuries to aid pregnant women. While it has many benefits, it is important to consider the possible untoward effects of consuming it while breastfeeding.
The benefits of bitter kola include treating nausea and vomiting, making the uterus healthier, strengthening pregnant women, and normalizing blood circulation. Bitter kola contains caffeine, so pregnant women should only consume a recommended dose (one small cup a day). However, consuming high doses of bitter kola can be detrimental to the uterus of the mother.
A medical expert, Dr. Adeshina Kayode, has warned pregnant women and nursing mothers against excessive consumption of kola nut, stating that excessive consumption can lead to hormonal imbalance in pregnant women and those with high blood pressure and stomach ulcers should refrain from consuming it. Furthermore, prolonged intake of kola nuts can result in reduced sperm count and infertility in both men and women.
Overall, bitter kola can be beneficial for those who are breastfeeding, as long as it is taken in moderation and with caution. It is best to speak with a medical professional before consuming it to determine if it is safe for the individual.
