Breastfeeding mothers should choose a tea specifically for lactation, with galactagogue herbs and no unwanted side effects. Caffeine-free herbal teas are best, as caffeine can pass through breast milk. Some herbs can decrease milk supply or aggravate allergies, while others, like fennel and chamomile, can calm a fussy baby. Consult a pediatrician before trying a new tea.
If a mother is nursing, care should be taken when choosing a tea to drink. Some teas can have adverse effects on breast milk supply, so it’s best to choose a tea specifically for breastfeeding women. The best tea for lactation will be caffeine-free, will have galactagogue herbs, and will have no unwanted side effects for the baby or mother.
Some teas, like black tea, have almost as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, but herbal teas tend to be decaffeinated or caffeine-free. However, almost all “decaffeinated” teas contain a small amount of caffeine. For these reasons, an herbal tea is best for breastfeeding women because caffeine can pass through breast milk and cause a baby to become restless or unable to sleep. It is usually safe to start gradually adding more caffeine to the diet after the baby is six months old.
When drinking an herbal tea for breastfeeding, it’s important to check the ingredients, as some herbs can decrease a woman’s milk supply or aggravate hay fever or pollen allergies. Teas with sage, peppermint, menthol, and black walnut, among others, have been shown to have a negative impact on milk supply and should be avoided in lactation tea. Galactagogues, or herbs thought to help increase milk supply, include fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, and raspberry leaf. Combinations of these herbs can be found in tea that is specifically formulated for breastfeeding, like goat, nettle, milk thistle, brewer’s yeast, and hops. In fact, some of these galactagogue herbs are believed to be so beneficial in increasing supply that they are taken in the form of vitamin capsules.
Ephedra, ginseng, black cohosh, and kava-kava should not be consumed in tea for nursing mothers, nor should borage, star anise, wormwood, or ginko. In addition, aloe, licorice, and basil should also be avoided. Green tea can actually act as a diuretic and cause dehydration in breastfeeding women if several cups are consumed in a day.
Teas with fennel, chamomile, or ginger can help calm a fussy or gassy baby when passed through breast milk, but it’s important to watch the baby’s reaction closely to make sure he or she isn’t more irritated than expected. usual. It’s a good idea to consult with a pediatrician before trying a new tea while breastfeeding.
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