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Can breastfeeding moms drink chamomile tea?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Drink Chamomile Tea?
Breastfeeding mothers often seek ways to enhance their well-being while ensuring that their milk supply remains healthy and safe for their infants. One common question that arises is whether it is safe for breastfeeding moms to consume chamomile tea.
Understanding Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea, derived from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, is renowned for its soothing properties. It has been traditionally used to alleviate various ailments, including anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. Its mild sedative effects can be particularly appealing for new mothers navigating the challenges of sleep deprivation and stress.
Safety Considerations for Breastfeeding Moms
Moderation is Key: Health experts generally agree that moderate consumption of chamomile tea is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Most sources recommend limiting intake to one to two cups per day.
Potential Allergens: One significant consideration is the potential for allergic reactions. Mothers who have allergies to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, may also react to chamomile. It’s crucial for these mothers to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating chamomile tea into their diets.
Impact on Milk Supply: There is currently no substantial evidence to suggest that chamomile tea adversely affects milk supply. In fact, some herbalists believe that chamomile may have mild galactagogue properties, potentially promoting milk production, although scientific studies on this topic remain limited.
Benefits for Nursing Mothers
Relaxation and Sleep: The calming effects of chamomile can help breastfeeding mothers unwind, promoting better sleep quality. This relaxation can be beneficial in reducing stress hormones that might otherwise impact lactation.
Digestive Health: Chamomile tea may aid in digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, which can be a common issue for new mothers adjusting to post-pregnancy changes.
Potential Risks
Infant Reactions: While chamomile is generally considered safe, some infants may exhibit sensitivities to substances consumed by breastfeeding mothers. If a mother notices changes in her baby’s behavior or digestion after consuming chamomile tea, it may be wise to discontinue use and consult a pediatrician.
Drug Interactions: Chamomile can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and sedatives. Breastfeeding mothers on such medications should seek medical advice before adding chamomile tea to their routine.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding moms can generally drink chamomile tea in moderation, enjoying its calming effects while being mindful of potential allergies and individual infant reactions. As with any dietary change during breastfeeding, it is always prudent to consult healthcare providers to ensure the safety and health of both mother and child.

What can I drink to lose belly fat while breastfeeding?

1) Drink At Least 8 Cups Of Water Every Day
And it’s especially important for breastfeeding moms. Water helps your body naturally shed unwanted pounds because water: Contributes to regular body functions, like circulation, digestion, regulation of body temperature, transportation of nutrients, and milk production.

Does chamomile affect baby?

For sensitive babies, chamomile can worsen pre-existing eczema. While infrequent, there have been reports of serious allergic reactions to chamomile, so it’s best to introduce in small amounts. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first few servings.

What does chamomile do for postpartum?

Conclusion: Chamomile tea may be recommended to postpartum women as a supplementary approach to alleviating depression and sleep quality problems.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What cannot you drink while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

What tea helps sleep while breastfeeding?

Herbal teas that are likely to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ginger tea: can help ease nausea. It should be safe to drink in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lemon balm: is commonly used to ease anxiety, irritability and insomnia.

Does chamomile tea affect the baby?

There is some evidence that chamomile tea can lead to early labor and preterm birth. Other studies suggest it may help start labor in those past their due date.

Can chamomile tea affect breast milk?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Chamomile is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. No data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants, although rare sensitization may occur (see below).

What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

Who should not drink chamomile tea?

Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage. If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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