Does chai tea affect milk supply?

The Impact of Chai Tea on Milk Supply
Chai tea, a beloved beverage originating from India, is traditionally made by brewing black tea with a mixture of spices and milk. This aromatic drink, often referred to as masala chai, has gained popularity worldwide not only for its rich flavors but also for its potential health benefits. However, for breastfeeding mothers, a common concern arises: does chai tea affect milk supply?
Understanding Chai Tea and Its Ingredients
Chai tea is typically composed of black tea, milk, and a variety of spices such as ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor profile that many find comforting and invigorating. While the spices in chai may offer health benefits, the primary concern for nursing mothers is the caffeine content found in black tea.
Caffeine and Milk Supply
Caffeine, a natural stimulant present in black tea, can influence milk production. Research indicates that moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However,Does Chai Tea Affect Milk Supply?
The short answer is that there is no clear evidence that drinking chai tea directly affects milk supply. Chai tea is a spiced black tea that is traditionally made with milk, but the individual ingredients in chai do not appear to have a significant impact on breastmilk production.
The key ingredients in chai tea are:
– Black tea
– Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves
Source notes that “Chai tea is renowned for it’s spicy aromas and delicious flavours” but does not mention any effects on milk supply. Similarly, Source describes the traditional preparation of masala chai, a type of chai tea, without discussing impacts on breastfeeding.
While some herbs and foods can affect milk supply, the typical ingredients in chai tea do not seem to be among them. The black tea in chai may have a mild diuretic effect, but this is unlikely to significantly impact milk production.
That said, it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to stay hydrated, and the milk-based preparation of chai could potentially help with that. Source notes that “tea made with milk offers a distinct flavor profile” compared to tea made with water alone.
In summary, the available evidence suggests that drinking chai tea is unlikely to negatively affect a mother’s milk supply. As with any beverage, moderation is advised, but chai can be safely enjoyed as part of a balanced diet for breastfeeding women.

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.

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.

Can tea upset breastfed baby?

Caffeine and breastfeeding
Caffeine can reach your baby through your breast milk. Caffeine is a stimulant, so if you have a lot, it may make your baby restless and keep them awake. Caffeine occurs naturally in lots of foods and drinks, including coffee, tea and chocolate.

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.

What teas affect milk supply?

Mint teas, and related herbs like lemon balm, can reduce breastmilk production so they aren’t recommended when you are your baby’s sole source of nutrition. Even then, one cup every now and then wouldn’t likely affect supply, it’s more of an issue when drinking multiple cups day after day.

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 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.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

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.)

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.