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What teas are not good for breastfeeding?

Understanding Teas to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her milk supply and the health of her infant. While many teas can be beneficial, some should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. Here’s a closer look at which teas are not recommended during breastfeeding and why.
Teas and Herbs to Avoid
1. Herbal Teas with Potential Risks: Certain herbal teas can pose risks to breastfeeding mothers and their babies. For instance, teas containing sage, peppermint, and parsley are known to potentially decrease milk supply. While small amounts used in cooking are generally safe, larger quantities found in herbal teas should be avoided.
2. Caffeine-Containing Teas: Teas such as black tea and green tea contain caffeine, which can be passed to the baby through breast milk. While moderate caffeine consumption is typically considered safe, excessive intake may lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Therefore, it’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to limit their caffeine intake to about 300 mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to three cups of brewed tea.
3. Chamomile Tea: Although chamomile is often touted for its calming effects, it should be consumed with caution. Some sources suggest that excessive consumption may not be advisable during breastfeeding, as it could potentially affect milk supply or cause allergic reactions in sensitive infants.
4. Echinacea: This popular herbal remedy is often used to boost the immune system, but its safety during breastfeeding is not well established. Mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers before consuming echinacea.
5. Other Herbal Teas: Teas that include ingredients like licorice root and aloe vera should also be avoided. Licorice root can lead to hormonal imbalances and has been linked to adverse effects in infants, while aloe vera may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
While many teas can be enjoyed during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to be mindful of their choices. Herbal teas, particularly those with potential side effects or those that contain caffeine, should be approached with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance, ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy and happy during this important time.

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

Why tea is not good for breastfeeding mothers?

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. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

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 teas dry up breast milk?

Use herbs.
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.

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.)

What teas should you not drink 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 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 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.
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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