Breastfeeding Toddler, Caffeine

Hi M.,

Your state of exhaustion is so similar to what mine was. I have a 4 1/2 and almost 3 year old. My 4 year old still has never slept an entire night through. I thought I was a healthy eater too but I had no idea that I wasn't even close to feeding my body properly. I became a personal wellness coach and learned a TON about nutrition - I now have enough energy to not only keep up with my toddlers but I no longer need the coffee I was drinking almost all day long. I can give you more information if you are interested - feel free to contact me.

Your question about caffeine - I would not up your caffeine intake while breastfeeding your daughter. I would start by making sure that your body is getting approximately 100 grams of protein a day and every 2 - 3 hours you should be having a little "something" to eat. Your best boost of energy will be if you can snack on things that combine protein and complex carbs (lean turkey and a piece of fruit or some vegie sticks, cottage cheese with fruit, etc.) By eating every few hours you will be giving your body natural energy and it will help to better sustain you through your day. Also make sure you eat within 45 minutes of getting up - you need to give your body some energy first thing in the morning so it sets the tone for your day.

As I said my 4 year old is not a great sleeper either - she not only doesn't stay asleep but it was impossible to get her to sleep - I did start giving her a VERY small dose of melatonin before bed - it helps her body to calm down just enough for her to get to sleep.

Hope some of this helps - I would be happy to talk to you more about what I learned if you want to contact me.

Good luck - D.

I don't think I have slept a whole night in five years either....Are you still taking a pre-natal? What about a B-Complex? Extra Folate? Babies take so much from us. I don't personally drink caffeine. It really is bad for you. Good luck to you.

Hi M.,

I'm still breastfeeding my 15-month-old too and I drink a couple cups of coffee a day. I have been known to drink a third if I'm really tired, but I do notice my son is more keyed up at bedtime if I do, or if I have had a cup of coffee at home and then have a latte with more caffeine when we go out on a playdate. Now that my main nursing times are morning and bedtime if I have a cup or two after his morning nurse and then nothing again the rest of the day he seems good to go though.

I sympathize with the exhaustion and feel grateful my child is right now in a good sleep phase and besides hearing babies crying in my sleep (strange I know) - my sleep is pretty restful right now. You're doing a great job. Remember this too will pass.

M.,

Hi, I'm a mom of three kids ages 16, 11 and 7. I'm also a nurse and therapeutic lifestyle educator in Eden Prairie. In my opinion, even though you say that you've noticed no impact on your daughter from your caffeine intake, you should not be drinking more caffeine. Her body is still developing and caffeine revs up the adrenals in both of you. If you presented in my office I would look at diet and supplementation first if you were looking to regain energy. There are foods that rob us of our energy supply.

Also, have you tried melatonin for your son? He may also have slep disturbances from what he eats during the day.