What teas should you stay away from while 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 and, consequently, her infant’s health. While many teas can be beneficial, some should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. Here’s a detailed look at the teas that breastfeeding mothers should steer clear of.
Caffeine-Containing Teas
One of the primary concerns for breastfeeding mothers is caffeine. Teas like black tea and green tea contain caffeine, which can affect a newborn’s sleep patterns and overall behavior. Caffeine metabolizes more slowly in infants, leading to potential fussiness and sleep disturbances. Although green tea has less caffeine than coffee, it’s still advisable to limit intake to avoid any adverse effects on the baby.
Herbal Teas with Unknown Effects
Many herbal teas lack comprehensive safety data regarding their effects on breastfeeding. For instance, teas containing anise, fennel, blessed thistle, and coriander have been flagged for potential concerns. These ingredients may not be harmful in small amounts, but their effects on breast milk and infant health are not well-studied. Therefore, it’s prudent to avoid these herbal teas during breastfeeding.
Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is another herbal option that breastfeeding mothers should avoid. It has been linked to low blood pressure, which can decrease milk supply. Additionally, there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding whether lemongrass is excreted in breast milk, making it a risky choice for nursing mothers.
Teas with Strong Flavors or Effects
Certain herbal teas, particularly those with strong flavors or medicinal properties, can also be problematic. For example, sage tea is known for its potential to decrease milk supply due to its astringent properties. Similarly, peppermint tea may also reduce milk production in some women. While these teas might be safe for occasional use, regular consumption could pose risks.
Conclusion
In summary, while many teas can be enjoyed during breastfeeding, it is essential to be cautious about caffeine-containing teas and certain herbal varieties. Mothers should prioritize their health and their baby’s well-being by avoiding teas with unknown effects or those known to potentially decrease milk supply. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on dietary choices during breastfeeding.

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 should breastfeeding moms avoid?

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.

Does peppermint tea affect breastfeeding?

Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You’d have to drink very large amounts daily (think quarts!) to decrease your supply. Altoids and other candies made from peppermint oil are a different story.

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 should you stay away from while breastfeeding?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:
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 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 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 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 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 increase breast milk supply?

And caffeine-free iced or hot herbal teas can contribute to your daily fluid goal. You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply.