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Is it safe to drink tea while breastfeeding?

The Safety of Drinking Tea While Breastfeeding
For new mothers, the question of what to consume while breastfeeding is paramount, especially when it comes to beverages like tea. The good news is that many types of tea can be safely enjoyed, but there are important considerations to keep in mind regarding caffeine and certain herbal ingredients.
Caffeine Considerations
Caffeine is a primary concern for breastfeeding mothers. While it is generally considered safe to consume caffeine in moderation, it’s crucial to be mindful of the amounts. Studies suggest that drinking one to three cups of green tea daily, which contains about 45 mg of caffeine per cup, is unlikely to harm a newborn. This is significantly lower than the caffeine content found in brewed coffee, which can range from 95 to 200 mg per cup. Therefore, moderate consumption of green tea can be a safe choice for nursing mothers.
However, caution is advised with concentrated forms of caffeine, such as green tea pills, which may lead to excessive caffeine intake and potentially affect the baby. For those looking to limit caffeine, herbal teas that are naturally caffeine-free can be a good alternative.
Herbal Teas: A Mixed Bag
The safety of herbal teas during breastfeeding is less straightforward. While some herbal teas are believed to offer health benefits, such as increasing milk production, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, many health professionals recommend avoiding certain herbal teas altogether due to potential side effects or lack of research on their safety for breastfeeding mothers.
For instance, peppermint tea, while popular, may reduce breast milk supply if consumed in excess. Other herbal teas, such as chamomile and echinacea, should be approached with caution, and mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers before incorporating them into their diets.
Safe Choices and Recommendations
When it comes to selecting teas while breastfeeding, moderation is key. Green tea and matcha are generally safe options, provided they are consumed in reasonable amounts. On the other hand, herbal teas should be chosen carefully, with a focus on those that are known to be safe. It’s advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals to determine which teas are appropriate for their individual circumstances.
In summary, while many teas can be safely consumed during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to be aware of caffeine levels and the potential effects of herbal ingredients. By making informed choices, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy their tea without compromising their health or that of their baby.

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.

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 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.

What kind of tea dries up breast milk?

To help dry up your milk supply: 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.

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 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.

What tea causes lactation?

Some of the common herbs found in lactation teas are fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, stinging nettle, goat’s rue, moringa, and milk thistle. Fenugreek is an herb with a taste similar to maple syrup.

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.

How many cups of tea can I have a day while 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(‘r75nZ4bmAc_x0PEP6s2zmA4__35′,’

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.

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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