Expecting? Here’s How Coffee Could Influence Your Baby’s Development

Expecting? Here’s How Coffee Could Influence Your Baby’s Development

Did you know that every cup of coffee you drink during pregnancy reaches your baby? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), caffeine easily crosses the placenta and moves into your baby’s bloodstream. The challenge is that your baby’s liver is not developed enough to process caffeine, which means it stays in their system for much longer than yours.

This is why health experts, including ACOG and March of Dimes, recommend limiting caffeine during pregnancy to no more than 200 mg per day (about one small cup of brewed coffee). It is not about giving up everything you enjoy. It is about making choices that give your baby the best start.

Common Myths About Coffee and Pregnancy in South Africa

Myth 1: One cup of coffee can’t hurt

Many people believe a single cup is harmless. But research published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine shows that caffeine builds up in your baby’s system because they cannot process it like you can. Even small amounts over time may have an effect.

Myth 2: Rooibos has caffeine, so why switch?

This is a common misconception. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, which is why it is often recommended during pregnancy by South African dietitians. But if you crave the rich, roasted taste of coffee, rooibos will not always hit the spot.

Myth 3: Decaf is the same as caffeine-free

Decaf coffee still contains some caffeine. If your goal is to cut caffeine completely, you need a true caffeine-free option like MannaBrew.

 

Better Choices for You and Your Baby

Switching from regular coffee does not mean giving up taste or comfort. Many South African moms turn to rooibos tea because it is naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. But if you miss the bold, rich taste of coffee, rooibos might feel like a compromise.

That is where MannaBrew comes in. It gives you the satisfying flavor of coffee without a single drop of caffeine. Made from roasted mesquite pods, it is a natural, wholesome choice that fits perfectly into a healthy pregnancy lifestyle.

 

Why MannaBrew is the Perfect Local Swap

MannaBrew is proudly South African and crafted from 100% natural roasted mesquite pods. It is completely caffeine-free, which means you can enjoy the comforting taste of coffee without worrying about the effects on your baby.

What makes it special?

  • Rich, roasted flavor that coffee lovers appreciate
  • Naturally sweet so you can skip the sugar
  • High in soluble fiber that supports digestion during pregnancy
  • Easy to prepare hot or cold, making it perfect for any season

With MannaBrew, you are not just cutting out caffeine. You are choosing a wholesome alternative that fits right into your lifestyle.

 

How to Make the Switch Fun and Easy

Changing your coffee routine can feel like a big deal, but it does not have to be. Here are a few simple tips to make it easy:

1. Start with one swap a day
 Replace your morning coffee with a warm cup of MannaBrew. The rich, roasted flavor makes the transition smooth.

2. Enjoy it your way
 Add milk or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy taste. You can even froth it for a café-style experience at home.

3. Get creative
 Try MannaBrew iced on a hot summer day or blend it into a smoothie for a refreshing twist.

4. Make it part of your moment
 Pair your cup of MannaBrew with a rusk or a healthy snack and enjoy a mindful break in your day.

 

Give Your Baby the Best Start

Pregnancy is a time to celebrate and make choices that support your little one’s health. Cutting back on caffeine is one of the simplest steps you can take, and with MannaBrew, it is easier than ever. You still get the warm, satisfying taste you love without the caffeine that can affect your baby.

Start your caffeine-free journey today. Order MannaBrew online or find it at selected South African retailers. Enjoy every sip knowing you are doing something good for you and your baby.

Try MannaBrew Superfood  today.

MannaBrew is made from 100% roasted Mesquite beans  -  that’s it.

There are no added sugars, caffeine, or artificial ingredients.

Key features of MannaBrew’s single ingredient:

Mesquite beans (from the Prosopis tree) are naturally sweet and contain:

  • Dietary fiber
  • Low glycemic carbohydrates
  • Essential minerals (like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron)
  • Protein
  • Antioxidants

This makes MannaBrew a naturally caffeine-free, nutrient-rich coffee alternative suitable for:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People with diabetes or blood sugar concerns
  • Children
  • Anyone avoiding caffeine or stimulants

Key benefits of drinking MannaBrew:

1. 100% Caffeine-Free

MannaBrew provides a rich, coffee-like flavor without the crash, jitters, or sleep disruption  -  perfect for pregnant women, kids, and anyone avoiding caffeine.

2. Naturally Energizing

While caffeine-free, the nutrient-dense Mesquite beans support natural energy levels thanks to slow-releasing carbohydrates and essential nutrients.

3. Packed with Nutrients

Mesquite beans are a natural source of:

  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Dietary fiber

These help support metabolism, bone health, digestion, and immunity.

4. Gut-Friendly

MannaBrew contains prebiotic fiber, which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut and supports better digestion and gut health.

5. Blood Sugar Friendly

The low-GI properties of Mesquite help regulate blood sugar levels  -  ideal for people managing insulin resistance, diabetes, or sugar spikes.

6. Naturally Sweet, No Sugar Needed

Its naturally sweet, nutty taste means most people enjoy it without needing to add sugar or sweeteners.

7. Sustainable & Ethical

MannaBrew is made from wild-harvested Mesquite trees  -  an invasive species in South Africa. By using it, you’re supporting job creation and land restoration.

8. Safe for the Whole Family

Because it's natural and caffeine-free, it’s safe for pregnant women, nursing moms, and children.

References

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy (Committee Opinion No. 462).
    https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2010/08/moderate-caffeine-consumption-during-pregnancy
  2. March of Dimes. (2024). Caffeine and Pregnancy.
     https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/caffeine-pregnancy
  3. MotherToBaby. (2024). Caffeine and Pregnancy Fact Sheet.
     https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/caffeine-pregnancy
  4. Chen, L. W., et al. (2020). Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of pregnancy loss and fetal growth restriction. Nutrients, 12(6), 1742.
     https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061742
  5. James, J. E. (2020). Maternal caffeine consumption and pregnancy outcomes: a narrative review with implications for advice to mothers and mothers-to-be. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
     https://ebm.bmj.com/content/25/1/29
  6. Finnish Kuopio Birth Cohort Study (2024). Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the risk of delivering a small for gestational age baby.
     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11169027
  7. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. (2024). The maternal factors associated with infant low birth weight: an umbrella review.
     https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-024-06487-y
  8. MDPI Review. (2023). Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Its Impact on the Fetus: A Review.
     https://www.mdpi.com/

University of Rochester Medical Center. (2021). Prenatal caffeine exposure associated with brain changes in children.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/prenatal-caffeine-exposure-associated-with-brain-changes-in-children

Antoni Hubert van Beusekom   |   Posted on August 01 2025

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