What tea to avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Tea Choices While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and their infants, 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 mindful of which types are safe and which should be avoided during this time.
Teas to Avoid
1. Caffeinated Teas: While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, excessive intake can lead to sleep disturbances for both mother and baby. Caffeine can also interfere with iron absorption, which is crucial for nursing mothers who need to maintain their energy levels. Therefore, teas high in caffeine, such as black tea and green tea, should be consumed in moderation.
2. Herbal Teas with Potential Risks: Certain herbal teas pose risks due to their ingredients. For instance, teas containing ginseng, kava, and peppermint are often advised against. Ginseng may affect hormone levels, while kava has been linked to liver toxicity. Peppermint, although commonly used, can sometimes decrease milk supply in some women.
3. Specific Herbal Ingredients: Some herbs, such as anise, fennel, blessed thistle, and coriander, lack sufficient safety data regarding their effects on breastfeeding. These ingredients can potentially cause adverse reactions in infants, making it wise to avoid teas that contain them.
4. Teas with Strong Flavors: Strongly flavored teas, such as those made with sage or oregano, should also be approached with caution. High amounts of these herbs can lead to a decrease in milk supply, which can be detrimental during breastfeeding.
5. Lemongrass and Other Herbs: Teas made from lemongrass, oregano, and parsley are also recommended to be avoided. These herbs can have varying effects on lactation and may not be suitable for all mothers.
Conclusion
While tea can be a comforting beverage for breastfeeding mothers, it is crucial to choose wisely. Moderation is key, especially with caffeinated teas, and avoiding certain herbal teas can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. Always consult with a healthcare provider if unsure about specific teas or herbs, as individual reactions can vary. By making informed choices, mothers can enjoy their tea while supporting their breastfeeding journey.

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 herbs are not safe while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

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

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 drinks dry up breast milk?

To utilize herbs for lactation suppression:

• Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage leaves.
• Appy jasmine flowers to your breasts.
• Take chaste berry orally.
• Eat parsley.
• Use peppermint oil topically only if you’ve completely stopped breastfeeding — it can be toxic to 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 teas are bad for 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.

Is peppermint tea safe while breastfeeding?

Studies have shown it doesn’t harm you or your baby. You should avoid very large amounts of peppermint tea.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

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.

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.