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Does chai affect breast milk supply?

The Impact of Chai on Breast Milk Supply
For many new mothers, the question of whether their favorite beverages, like chai, can affect breast milk supply is a common concern. Chai, a spiced tea that often includes ingredients such as black tea, milk, andDoes Chai Affect Breast Milk Supply?
The short answer is that chai tea is generally considered safe to consume while breastfeeding, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential effects on breast milk supply.
According to the sources, chai tea itself does not directly impact breast milk supply. Chai is a blend of black tea, spices, and sometimes milk or sweeteners. The black tea in chai contains caffeine, which in moderate amounts is not harmful for breastfeeding mothers or their babies.
However, some of the ingredients in chai, such as ginger or fennel, may have a mild effect on milk production. Ginger, for example, is sometimes used as a galactagogue (a substance that promotes milk supply). But the amount of ginger in a typical chai blend is likely too small to significantly boost milk production.
The bigger concern with chai consumption while breastfeeding is the potential impact of caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake can interfere with milk supply by causing dehydration and disrupting the body’s natural milk production hormones. Breastfeeding mothers are generally advised to limit caffeine intake to no more than 300mg per day, which equates to about 2-3 cups of chai tea.
In summary, moderate consumption of chai tea is considered safe and unlikely to negatively impact breast milk supply, as long as the mother stays hydrated and limits her overall caffeine intake. However, if a breastfeeding mother notices a drop in milk supply after drinking chai, she should consider reducing or eliminating it from her diet.

What drinks decrease milk supply?

While there are many factors that can affect milk supply, nutrition and hydration are two you can control. Drinking plenty of water — either by itself or in other drinks — is vital to maintaining your milk supply. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and extra sugar.

What shortens your milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

How much caffeine is in chai tea?

A typical cup of chai tea prepared as directed contains approximately 40mg of caffeine (4 oz of black tea) compared to roughly 120mg in an average cup of coffee.

Does chai tea affect breast milk supply?

It’s only Japanese Star Anise that’s considered toxic to pregnant women and babies, generally Chai tea lattes are made with Chinese Star Anise which is actually commonly believed to increase ease of delivery and increase breast milk production.

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.)

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 reduces milk supply when breastfeeding?

Causes of Low Milk Supply

  • Limit your baby’s breastfeeding sessions.
  • Give your baby infant formula instead of breastfeeding.
  • Introduce solid foods before baby is 4-6 months old.
  • Take certain birth control pills or other medicine.
  • Don’t get enough sleep.
  • Drink alcohol or smoke.
  • Have had breast surgery.

Does tea affect breast milk supply?

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 to drink to increase breast milk fast?

And caffeine-free iced or hot herbal teas can contribute to your daily fluid goal. You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply.

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.

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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