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How many cups of tea can I have while breastfeeding?

Understanding Caffeine Intake While Breastfeeding
For new mothers navigating the world of breastfeeding, the question of how many cups of tea they can enjoy often arises, particularly due to concerns about caffeine consumption. The good news is that moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe during breastfeeding.
Caffeine Guidelines
Experts suggest that breastfeeding mothers can safely consume up to 200-300 mg of caffeine per day. This amount is roughly equivalent to 2-3 cups of coffee or about 4-6 cups of tea, depending on the type of tea and its caffeine content. For instance, black tea typically contains more caffeine than green tea or herbal teas, which can be caffeine-free.
Effects on the Baby
While moderate caffeine consumption is deemed safe, it’s important to note that caffeine does pass into breast milk. Babies exposed to caffeine may experience increased irritability or sleep disturbances. Therefore, if you notice your baby becoming more fussy or having trouble sleeping, it might be worth evaluating your caffeine intake.
Choosing the Right Teas
When selecting teas, it’s advisable to be mindful of the type. Herbal teas can vary widely in their ingredients and effects. Some herbal teas, like chamomile, are generally considered safe, while others may not be recommended during breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding specific herbal teas to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy up to 4-6 cups of tea daily, provided they monitor their overall caffeine intake and observe their baby’s reactions. Staying informed and making mindful choices can help you enjoy your tea while ensuring your baby’s well-being.

How long does tea stay in breastmilk?

Caffeine does pass into breastmilk, however baby gets about 1.5% of the amount of caffeine that the nursing parent gets (Berlin, Denson, Daniel & Ward 1984). The half-life of caffeine is about 97.5 hours in a newborn, 14 hours in a 3-5-month-old baby and 2.6 hours in a baby older than 6 months.

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.

How long does caffeine stay in breastmilk?

However, in one study, the average half-life of caffeine in breastmilk was reached 6.1 hours after consumption. To put it simply, this means that the average breastfeeding mother (6 hours after consuming caffeine) could still have 50% of the caffeine dose remaining in her breastmilk (CM Berlin Jr., et al., 1984).

What is the rule of 3 breastfeeding?

Content after feeding for at least three hours: After a satisfying feeding session, a well-fed baby should appear content and satisfied for about three hours before showing signs of hunger again.

How long after 3 drinks can I breastfeed?

If you do intend to have a social drink, you could try avoiding breastfeeding for 2 to 3 hours for every drink you have to avoid exposing your baby to any alcohol in your milk. This allows time for the alcohol to leave your breast milk.

What happens if I breastfeed after 3 drinks?

The baby might seem drowsy and weak and have unhealthy weight gain. Alcohol also can affect the ability to safely care for a baby. Over time, drinking too much might cause the body to make less breast milk. Delay pumping or breastfeeding your baby two hours for each alcoholic drink you consume.

Is too much tea bad for 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.

How many cups of tea can I have when breastfeeding?

6 cups
The recommended limit for breastfeeding mothers is 6 cups of tea or 2 cups of instant coffee a day. For filtered coffee, you should only have 1 cup a day. Drinking more than this will not be harmful but may lead to a fussy baby who has difficulty settling.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘psxnZ8q3EKyUwbkP0MeDqQQ__26′,’

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 is the 5-5-5 rule breastfeeding?

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations on breast milk storage. Previously, many people followed the 5-5-5 rule: storing breast milk for five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer.

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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