What tea should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Tea Choices While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and dietary choices can significantly impact the health and well-being of both. While many mothers enjoy a warm cup of tea, it’s essential to be cautious about which types are safe to consume during this period. Certain teas can pose risks due to their ingredients or caffeine content.
Teas to Avoid
1. Caffeinated Teas: Teas such as black, green, and white contain caffeine, which can pass into breast milk. This can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Experts recommend that if mothers choose to drink caffeinated teas, they should do so after breastfeeding to minimize caffeine transfer to the baby.
2. Herbal Teas with Potential Risks: Some herbal teas are known to have effects that could be harmful or are not well-studied in the context of breastfeeding. For instance, teas containing ginseng and kava should be avoided due to their potential side effects. Ginseng may affect hormone levels, while kava has been linked to liver toxicity.
3. Specific Herbs: Certain herbs commonly found in teas can also be problematic. For example, lemongrass, oregano, parsley, and peppermint are advised against, as they may affect milk supply or have other adverse effects. Additionally, herbs like anise, fennel, and blessed thistle have been flagged for their lack of safety data, making them questionable choices for breastfeeding mothers.
4. Sage and Strong Mint: High amounts of sage and strong mint (like peppermint) can potentially decrease milk supply. Mothers should be cautious with these herbs, especially in concentrated forms.
General Recommendations
While enjoying tea can be a comforting ritual, breastfeeding mothers should prioritize safety. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing new teas into their diet. If a mother is unsure about a specific tea, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.
In summary, while many teas can be enjoyed safely during breastfeeding, it’s crucial to be aware of those that may pose risks. By making informed choices, mothers can enjoy their tea while ensuring the health and comfort of their little ones.

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.

What teas are not safe while breastfeeding?

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.

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 is the best drink to hydrate for breastfeeding?

Water is an excellent drink while breastfeeding. Milk is also very good — it provides much-needed calcium, protein, and other nutrients. Fruit juices without added flavoring, sugar, and colors are healthy choices for staying hydrated while breastfeeding. Avoid drinks with caffeine.

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.

Is chamomile tea ok when breastfeeding?

Yes, you can drink chamomile tea while breastfeeding. Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion that’s often used for its calming properties and ability to soothe an upset stomach. The American Pregnancy Association 1 states that chamomile is generally safe while breastfeeding when consumed in moderation.

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.

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 drinks reduce breast milk?

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.)