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New mom Parineeti Chopra, who finally shared the first glimpse of her baby boy, ‘Neer,’ continues to engage with the audience by sharing snippets from daily life. One such instance that caught our attention recently was the actor enjoying fresh coffee in husband Raghav Chadha’s Harvard mug. “Ek baar phir Raghav ki coffee churaate huye (Once again, stole some coffee from Raghav),” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
Previously, too, the 37-year-old shared a similar picture. But how soon can new mothers have coffee?
Most new moms can enjoy a cup of coffee almost right after birth, as long as they feel comfortable and are not dealing with severe acidity or sleeplessness, said Dr Richa Bharadwaj, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
For breastfeeding mothers, caffeine is safe in moderation, up to 300 mg a day, which is about 1 to 2 cups. “The body processes caffeine more slowly in the early weeks after giving birth, so it’s a good idea to start with a smaller amount and observe how the baby reacts,” said Dr Bharadwaj.
Only a tiny amount of caffeine passes into breast milk, and it usually doesn’t bother most babies. “Occasionally, sensitive infants may become a bit more alert, fussy, or may nap for shorter periods. If a baby seems unusually irritable on days when the mother consumes caffeine, cutting back on the intake or spreading it out throughout the day often helps,” said Dr Bharadwaj.
Check your sleep: If nights are already hectic, caffeine may lead to jitteriness and poor rest.
Watch for acidity: After delivery, digestion can be sensitive. Coffee on an empty stomach may cause acidity, bloating, or nausea.
Choose timing wisely: Having coffee right after breastfeeding or pumping allows the body time to process it before the next feed.
Stay hydrated: Coffee is not a substitute for water. Postpartum recovery requires plenty of fluids.
Go easy on additives: Too much sugar, whipped cream, or flavored syrups may cause energy crashes later.
Mothers dealing with postpartum hypertension, heart palpitations, thyroid changes, severe acidity, or anxiety may need to limit caffeine for a few weeks. Those recovering from a C-section and experiencing gut sensitivity may also do better with lighter options like herbal tea at first, said Dr Bharadwaj.
What are some gentle alternatives if coffee feels too strong?
Options like decaf coffee, light tea, warm lemon water, or milky turmeric lattes provide comfort without pushing caffeine limits. “These can be used until energy levels and digestion improve,” said Dr Bharadwaj.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.