Battling (caffeine) addiction
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The day I found out I was pregnant, the lead story on CNN.com was “the dangers of caffeine for pregnant women.” Ah, the Universe loves irony.
A few years ago, I sported a pin on my jacket that read, “Give me coffee and no one gets hurt!” In the past year, I’d “cut back” to about three or four (8 oz.) cups a day. And green tea in between.
I love everything about coffee. The taste, the aroma, the positive memory-associations of sipping a good latte after a great meal. Even as I write this, my heart is pounding in anticipation of a cup of the good dark stuff. In my first job as magazine editor, when things got rough at the office, I’d head to Starbucks for a “grande soy latte.”
The evening after I found out I’m pregnant, I went to my sister’s house to tell her. I noticed the fresh pot of after-dinner coffee brewing. “Do you want a cup?” she asked.
“More than anything,” I said wistfully.
She gave me a funny look and then she remembered the news I’d just shared—and the study. “It’s okay. One cup won’t hurt. I drank coffee through both my pregnancies.”
“Thanks, Mom, nice to know you cared about me!” my niece interjected.
“And they’re both fine,” she concluded.
When I started experiencing the first signs of morning sickness, oh, about 2 days after the pregnancy test showed up positive, coffee lost its appeal. By the third day, my stomach turned at the scent of coffee brewing.
But the brain forgets quickly, and after a week, I was jones-ing again. By now, the caffeine headaches have gone away, and it’s pure psychological addiction.
The other night, after a particularly good dinner, I brewed myself a cup of decaf. I couldn’t even bring myself to drink it. I don’t know whether it was psychological (I’d always swore I’d never drink decaf) or if the nauseated feelings coffee brought on earlier had ruined it for me.
I’m on a quest for “coffee substitutes.” I still miss the ritual of sitting down with my morning cup, checking my e-mail and preparing for the day. And I still miss everything about coffee… including—especially—the almost-instant energy perk.
It’s almost an identity crisis. Not only do I miss coffee… I miss everything it represents.
I recently tried herbal tea with ginseng. There it was—the elevated heart rate, immediate perk, a burst of energy that didn’t even wear off as quickly as a caffeine high. Then I went online and learned that studies were inconclusive in regard to ginseng and pregnancy, but pregnant women were advised to stay away from the herb. Great.
I’ve started drinking VitaminWater Revive, fortified with lots of B vitamins. It hydrates, and B vitamins, as long as you stick to the recommended daily allowance, are healthy. No “energy burst,” but it’s something to drink in the morning.
I’ve resorted to keeping my energy level up the natural way: exercise, limiting sugar and carbs so my blood sugar levels stay steady throughout the day, and a quick 20-minute cat nap when I really can’t take it anymore.
I’m just glad I don’t smoke or drink heavily, because I couldn’t imagine giving up two addictions all in the space of a few months!
Science-mom says...
I was a caffeine addict. Coming from a tropical country, it`s the only thing that helped me survive European winters and keep me awake during postgrad lectures. I had to give up caffeine after I was diagnosed with Graves disease. My metabolism was too fast, my heart rate was up that stimulants like caffeine are no-no. The withdrawal symptoms were tough - headaches, mood swings, lethargy, lack of concentration. But I prevailed - and never resorted back to caffeine even after a successful thyroidectomy.
I still love coffee - hmmm that unbeatable aroma - but thanks to Starbucks I can still have latte or mocha from time to time - decaf though.
I know some may argue that coffee without caffeine is nothing. For my health, I`d forgo the latter. I`ve learned it`s coffee, not caffeine I like.
Dawn Allcot says...
Science-mom,
I’ve tried decaf, and just couldn’t bring myself to drink it. I’m sure it would taste fine, and if someone gave me decaf and didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know the difference.
But in a few days, I’ll be reviewing a completely herbal alternative that tastes like gourmet coffee and is almost as good as the real thing!
Glad your thyroidectomy went well!
Dawn
tjwriter says...
I’m gonna chase you around the Internet telling you about the solution!
While I was pregnant, I bought both caffeinated and decaffeinated version of my favorite coffee, Starbucks Verona blend. Then I mixed them about 1/3 caff to 2/3 decaf. I still got some caffeine without the overload.
I even named my Mom Blog, Momma Needs Coffee. LOL! I have some serious caffeine issues. *Joneses for a cup right about now.