Can I drink matcha and breastfeed?

Introduction
As more mothers seek to maintain their health and lifestyle choices while breastfeeding, questions about specific dietary components, such as matcha, often arise. Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. However, many nursing mothers wonder if it’s safe to consume matcha while breastfeeding.
The Nutritional Profile of Matcha
Matcha is renowned for its rich content of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are believed to have various health benefits, including enhanced metabolism and improved mental clarity. In addition to antioxidants, matcha contains:
– Caffeine: About 70 mg per 8 oz serving, which is lower than coffee but can still impact energy levels.
– L-theanine: An amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness, potentially balancing the effects of caffeine.
– Vitamins and minerals: Matcha offers vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with potassium and iron.
These components contribute to matcha’s appeal, but how do they interact with breastfeeding?
Safety of Matcha During Breastfeeding
Research on the consumption of matcha and breastfeeding is limited. However, several factors can help inform mothers considering this beverage:
– Caffeine Intake: The American Academy of Pediatrics states that moderate caffeine consumption—typically defined as 300 mg or less per day—is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Since matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, moderate consumption should not pose significant risks. However, it is essential to consider total caffeine intake from all sources, including other teas, coffee, and chocolate.
– Impact on Milk Production: Some studies suggest that caffeine can affect milk production and composition, but findings are not conclusive. Moderate consumption of matcha is unlikely to adversely affect milk supply.
– Potential Reactions in Infants: Infants metabolize caffeine slower than adults, so while moderate matcha intake is generally safe, some infants may be sensitive to caffeine. It’s wise to monitor any changes in your baby’s behavior or sleep patterns if you consume matcha.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
If you decide to incorporate matcha into your diet while breastfeeding, consider the following:
1. Moderation is Key: Limit your matcha intake to one to two servings per day to stay within recommended caffeine limits.
2. Observe Your Baby: Pay attention to any changes in your baby’s behavior or feeding patterns after you consume matcha. If you notice any adverse effects, it may be best to reduce your intake or eliminate it.
3. Choose Quality Products: Opt for high-quality, organic matcha to minimize exposure to pesticides and contaminants, which can be particularly important during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking matcha while breastfeeding can be safe when consumed in moderation. Its unique nutritional benefits can complement a healthy diet, but mothers should remain mindful of their total caffeine intake and observe their infants for any potential reactions. As always, if you have specific health concerns or dietary questions, consulting with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance.

Can you have matcha with dairy milk?

What kind of milk should I use for matcha? You can use your choice of milk when making a matcha iced latte. However, it is said that the casein in dairy milk blocks the absorption of the antioxidants found in matcha. So, it is best to use a non-dairy milk so you get the health benefits of drinking matcha.

Does milk cancel the benefits of matcha?

If you do like to drink Matcha latte style, we recommend ditching the dairy and choosing plant-based milk instead. Here are the key reasons why: Dairy Milk contains a protein called Casein which binds itself to the Catechins. Catechins are plant-based compounds that are antioxidant-rich and are found in Matcha.

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.

Can a breastfeeding mom drink matcha?

Matcha for breastfeeding
While it’s important for breastfeeding moms to stay within a healthy caffeine limit while breastfeeding (300 mg per day), drinking matcha is a clean, healthy way to boost energy postpartum.

How much caffeine is in matcha?

Most high-quality matcha contains about 34 milligrams of caffeine per gram of matcha powder. In traditional consumption, a typical serving of matcha is about 2 grams of powder to 100 milliliters (about 3.5 ounces) of water. That would be about 68 milligrams of caffeine in a recommended serving.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Is matcha safe for babies?

Tea soothes cold symptoms, helps with digestion and has antioxidants which are great for the immune system. Matcha is one of the most healthy and pure teas, and a perfect warm treat for kids, a great no-sugar alternative. Matcha, however, or in fact any green tea for that matter, is not usually recommended for infants.

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.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Is it okay to drink green tea while breastfeeding?

Green tea contains caffeine and other compounds that may pass into breast milk in small amounts. While moderate consumption is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, excessive intake should be avoided due to potential side effects like irritability and poor sleep in infants.