8 Caffeine-Free Alternatives to Coffee While Breastfeeding

Discover your perfect alternative “comfort drink” during your breastfeeding journey — without the caffeine.

The journey of motherhood can come with a lot of changes. For breastfeeding moms, finding the perfect drink to enjoy without the jolt of caffeine can be a heartwarming challenge.

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In this article, I’m sharing some caffeine-free drinks that will help nourish you during this time and offer the comforting ritual coffee provides. As a mom, I know just how important caffeine can be, so if you’re freaking out right now — I get it!

Are you wondering how to make it through motherhood without relying on caffeine? If you’re searching for delicious alternatives to your trusty coffee, stick around. I’ve been in your shoes and have some tasty suggestions to share!

Why I gave up coffee while breastfeeding

I had to give up coffee while breastfeeding my son. Even though coffee (up to 300 mg/day) is considered safe while breastfeeding, there was another reason I had to give up my beloved cuppa.

When my son was about a month old, he was clearly suffering from reflux. The symptoms were easy to spot:

Constant spit-up, even long after nursing
Crying after spit-up moments
Fussiness when nursing
Disrupted sleep

My son arrived a few weeks early, and I immediately became nervous about his weight gain and keeping our breastfeeding journey on the right track. Toss in a lip and tongue tie and some pesky reflux problems, and I was absolutely determined to find any solution that would make him feel better and keep us both smiling.

Early on, one of my medical providers advised me to check my diet for any triggers causing my little one’s spit-up. Coffee was on the “suspect” list, which hit me hard.

I adore my coffee rituals — a cozy mug in the morning and a refreshing iced one in the afternoon. It’s my grounding moment and my pick-me-up.

I knew I had to put a hold on caffeine in order to see if my son would benefit.

In those early days of being a new mom, it stung a bit to see something that used to be a big part of my routine fade away. But I was set on finding some cozy alternatives.

Eight alternatives to coffee (caffeine-free!)

Here are 8 different drinks I tried (and truly enjoyed!) as I taste-tested my way through non-caffeinated beverages.

Decaffeinated coffee
Chicory-based “coffee”
Decaf chai tea
Herbal teas
Warm water with lemon
Golden milk
Hot cocoa
Bone broth
Bonus: Bodily Lactation Lattes

Staying hydrated is super important for new moms, especially if you’re breastfeeding. So, besides sipping on water, incorporate these drinks for a little mood lift in your day.

For some, switching to caffeine-free drinks as a new mom brings comfort and the reassuring idea that you’re making gentle and nurturing choices for yourself and your baby.

1. Decaffeinated coffee

A cup of decaf coffee is likely to be the most familiar option to fill your cup and perhaps the easiest transition.

I remember those cooler mornings when I was moving away from fully caffeinated coffee. Turning to a good ol’ decaf felt soothing, giving me that warm, familiar feeling and taste.

This is also a great option to turn to if you are out meeting a friend for a coffee date (which is so important for moms!) since most coffee places have decaf on the menu.

2. Chicory based coffee

This is a truly great option for those who enjoy the flavor of coffee but want to move away from it completely. I enjoyed different chicory-based coffees because the slightly nutty flavor resembles coffee.

At the start of my no-caffeine journey, I went on a chicory coffee-tasting spree. I was pleased to find flavored options like raspberry mocha, hazelnut, and toasted almond.

Every few days, I’d brew a big pot of chicory coffee in my coffee maker and stash it in the fridge. Voila! An ice-cold, caffeine-free treat waiting for me in the afternoons.

3. Decaf chai tea

Chai tea is often associated with warmth and comfort. For moms adjusting to new routines or caring for a newborn, a cup of decaf chai can provide a moment of relaxation and self-care.

Decaf chai comes in various ways — tea bags, loose leaf, and pre-made concentrated bottles. I loved this option because it was easy to stash a few tea bags in my diaper bag for on-the-go moments. It’s also a great option to make quickly.

4. Herbal teas

Sticking with the whole tea vibe, herbal teas are a fantastic caffeine-free choice. There are a bunch of flavors to choose from, like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger. They’re perfect for winding down at night.

It’s always best to talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant before trying new herbal teas, especially if you have any doubts while breastfeeding.

5. Warm water with lemon

I was shocked by how thirsty I always was during my early days of breastfeeding. A cup of warm water with lemon and a little honey was a nice option to turn to in the mornings.

This drink always made me feel like I was starting the day off healthily. I liked knowing I was getting a boost in vitamin C, and the lemon scent and taste were like a burst of freshness after those long, sleep-deprived nights.

6. Golden milk

Golden milk, or a turmeric latte, is a great choice with some added health benefits. Sipping on a cup of this can aid in things like inflammation, immune support, and digestive health and can benefit sleep! This is a cup of liquid gold for moms.

I really enjoyed this drink when I had a little extra time to treat myself. I’d steam some oat milk and froth it all together for a few moments. It was like my little indulgence. The warm, creamy, slightly spicy flavors felt so elevated. And I loved knowing it was a healthy choice.

7. Hot cocoa

A cup of hot cocoa with unsweetened cocoa powder can be a nice treat. You can even take it up a notch with a bit of whipped cream.

This option is such a great choice to turn to in the colder months. There’s just something so cozy about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot cocoa — it’s pure comfort.

This choice is also great for on-the-go, as most coffee shops will have it available.

8. Bone broth

Nutrient-rich bone broth is a warm, comforting hug in a mug. I was all about this drink in my early postpartum days (it’s so good for recovery and healing!) and continued to enjoy it when caffeine wasn’t on the table.

Bone broth was the farthest in taste from my regular cup of coffee, so I found it hard to turn to in the early mornings.

This option was more of a late morning or early afternoon thing for me. I loved that it was a sneaky way to get in some extra nutrients and minerals and that it was gentle on the stomach.

9. Bonus: Bodily lactation lattes

Packed with organic lactation superfoods to support your feeding journey, the lactation latte mixes by Bodily are an excellent caffeine-free option that fulfills your “coffee ritual” without caffeine.

They’re made with ingredients like coconut milk, Goat’s Rue, Moringa, Shavatari, and more, and come in three different flavors: Cacao, Crema, and Spiced Vanilla.

You can order a two or three-pack, so you’ll always have this drink mix on hand.

Enjoying your new mom days — caffeine-free

Being a mom is a rollercoaster of emotions. Adjusting to your little one and all the changes can be tough.

At first, giving up caffeine forced me to lose a piece of my daily routine. But you know what? These eight tasty, caffeine-free options kept me comforted and grounded.

Remember, these caffeine-free options are great, but it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider. They’re there to help you make the best choices for you and your little one!

Bibliography

“Is Caffeine Safe While Breastfeeding?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/baby/is-caffeine-safe-while-breastfeeding.

West, Helen. “6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 11 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-lemon-health-benefits