Getting the most from your coffee
Before you became a parent a cup of coffee may have been something you enjoyed while reading the Sunday papers in bed or while having brunch with a friend. Now, it is more likely to be a necessity as you struggle to cope with sleepless nights, early starts and long days.
It is recommended that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers limit their daily caffeine intake but around 300mg, or 2-3 cups a day, is generally considered safe.
Perky Blenders’ founder Victoria Cozens and roaster Francois have five tips for making the most of those much-needed caffeine fixes:
1) Invest in the good stuff - you’re doing the hardest job in the world so you deserve the best. Push the instant coffee aside and invest in some specialty coffee to brew. There is something out there for every taste and budget.
2) Learn how to brew - check your cupboards for that long forgotten about cafetière. The one you pushed to the back when you were busy having your coffee made for you in cafes at more sociable times of the day. A cafetière will make a great cup of coffee and you can do it while half asleep. Our website has some handy how-to guides for doing everything from grinding your own beans, to using a Moka pot to make a great espresso.
3) Sharing is caring - it really does take a village to raise a baby, but parents also need looking after too. Take turns with your partner to be on coffee-making duty - it might be a welcome break from the nappies - and don’t be afraid to ask visitors to do it themselves when they arrive.
4) Few too many - if you are breastfeeding and are worried about caffeine passing into your milk, you can always swap one of your daily cups to a decaf version. There are lots of decent decafs on the market which will hopefully stop you feeling like you’re missing out. Perhaps a slice of cake could make up for the lack of caffeine!
5) Some like it hot - in reality, enjoying a hot drink with a baby around is a luxury. Parents quickly become used to drinking coffee hours after it was brewed. Why not make the most of this and become a pro at cold brew? You can brew your coffee the night before and serve it over ice instead. Perky Blenders has a clever little cold brew pot which makes it really easy.
:: For more information about Perky Blenders, including how to join their subscription Coffee Club, go to www.perkyblenders.com
