What tea to avoid when breastfeeding?

Understanding Tea Choices While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and dietary choices can significantly impact this experience. While many mothers enjoy a warm cup of tea, it’s essential to be mindful of which types are safe and which should be avoided. Certain teas can affect milk supply, cause allergic reactions, or introduce unwanted substances into breast milk.
Teas to Avoid
1. Herbal Teas: Many herbal teas are not recommended during breastfeeding due to their potential effects on milk supply and the baby. For instance, sage tea is often cited as a tea that can decrease milk production, making it particularly unsuitable for nursing mothers. Similarly, teas containing peppermint and ginseng should be approached with caution, as they may also impact milk supply or cause digestive issues for the baby.
2. Caffeinated Teas: While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, excessive intake can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Teas like black tea and green tea contain caffeine, so it’s advisable to limit their consumption. If you choose to drink caffeinated tea, it’s best to do so after breastfeeding to minimize the amount of caffeine that enters your breast milk.
3. Specific Herbal Ingredients: Certain herbs, such as kava and lemongrass, are also recommended to be avoided. Kava, in particular, is known for its sedative effects and could potentially affect both the mother and baby. Additionally, oregano and parsley are herbs that should be limited, as they may lead to adverse reactions.
Considerations for Safe Tea Consumption
When selecting teas during breastfeeding, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re considering herbal options. Some herbs may have beneficial properties but can also pose risks depending on individual health conditions or sensitivities. For example, while chamomile is often considered safe, it’s wise to discuss its use with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate for your situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while tea can be a comforting beverage for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted. Avoiding certain herbal teas and limiting caffeine intake can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

What drinks 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 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?

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 not to drink while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

What is the best drink to hydrate for breastfeeding?

Diversify Your Fluid Sources While water is best, other fluids count too. Unsweetened herbal teas, low-sugar juices, and soups can contribute to your daily fluid intake3.

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.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

• Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Yarrow