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Can you drink green while breastfeeding?

Can You Drink Green Tea While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely consume green tea is one that many new parents ponder. Green tea, known for its rich antioxidant properties and health benefits, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, but there are important nuances to consider.
Caffeine Content and Its Effects
Green tea contains caffeine, albeit in lower amounts compared to coffee. While moderate consumption is typically deemed safe, excessive caffeine intake can lead to potential issues for both the mother and the baby. Research indicates that babies exposed to caffeine through breast milk may experience increased irritability and sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to limit their caffeine intake to about 300 mg per day, which translates to roughly three cups of green tea, depending on the strength of the brew.
Impact on Milk Production
There is some debate regarding the effects of green tea on breast milk production. While some studies suggest that moderate consumption does not adversely affect milk supply, others indicate that high caffeine intake could potentially lead to decreased milk production. Thus, moderation is key.
Potential Additives and Ingredients
When choosing green tea, it’s crucial to be mindful of any additional ingredients that may be present in flavored or bottled varieties. Some teas may contain herbs or extracts that are not safe for breastfeeding mothers, such as ginseng or ginkgo biloba. Always check the ingredient list to ensure that the tea is free from potentially harmful additives.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy green tea in moderation, keeping an eye on their overall caffeine intake. It’s essential to listen to one’s body and observe any changes in the baby’s behavior, particularly regarding sleep and irritability. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

How long should I wait to pump after drinking coffee?

After you’ve had coffee, you have up to an hour to feed before it reaches your breast milk. If you miss that window, you’ll most likely have metabolised the caffeine within 3-5 hours.

What greens should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

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.

How does green tea affect baby?

Women may want to limit their tea consumption during the first trimester when the baby’s neural tube is developing to avoid the chance of decreasing absorption of folic acid. After this point, drinking one cup of green tea per day has not been shown to increase any risks for the baby.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

  • Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

  • Carbonated beverages.
  • Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
  • Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

Is green drink safe for breastfeeding?

Steer Clear of Caffeinated Greens for Baby’s Best Sleep
While small amounts of caffeine are considered safe during breastfeeding, excessive intake can potentially cause irritability, fussiness, and sleep disruptions in some babies. It’s advised to avoid caffeinated greens powders when nursing.

What teas should I 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.

Is it safe to drink green tea while breastfeeding?

“In general, you can drink one to three cups of green tea a day and not have any harmful effects on your newborn,” explains Dr. Ross. “It’s recommended not to consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day if you’re breast-feeding.”

What teas not to drink when 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.

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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