Breastfeeding is a critical time for both mother and baby. What the mother consumes can directly impact her breast milk and, by extension, her baby’s health. While tea is often enjoyed for its soothing and therapeutic benefits, not all teas are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Some teas contain ingredients that can affect breast milk production, disrupt the baby’s digestion, or even cause allergic reactions. In this article, we will discuss the teas to avoid while breastfeeding and why they may not be safe.
Why Some Teas Can Be Harmful During Breastfeeding
Herbal teas and caffeinated teas are popular for relaxation and health benefits, but certain ingredients in these teas can be harmful during breastfeeding. Some teas contain herbs that may reduce milk supply, interfere with the baby’s digestion, or pose other risks. Caffeinated teas, if consumed in large amounts, can make both mother and baby more jittery or disrupt sleep.
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s essential to be cautious about what you consume, including teas. Here’s a closer look at which teas to avoid.
1.Caffeinated Teas
While a small amount of caffeine is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, consuming large amounts can cause problems for both mother and baby. Caffeine can pass through breast milk and lead to irritability, restlessness, and poor sleep in the baby.
Teas such as black tea, green tea, and oolong tea contain caffeine. If you are a frequent tea drinker, it’s important to limit your intake of these caffeinated teas. The general recommendation is to keep caffeine consumption below 300 milligrams per day, which is roughly the equivalent of two to three cups of tea.
If you notice your baby becoming fussy or having trouble sleeping after you’ve had caffeinated tea, it may be time to cut back or switch to decaffeinated options.
2.Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is known for its refreshing taste and soothing properties, particularly for digestion and headaches. However, peppermint is also an herb that can reduce milk supply. For breastfeeding mothers, drinking peppermint tea in large quantities may lead to a drop in milk production, which can affect the baby’s nutrition.
If you are struggling with milk supply or want to maintain a strong flow of breast milk, it’s best to avoid peppermint tea. Even peppermint candies or breath mints, if consumed frequently, can have the same effect on milk supply.
3.Sage Tea
Sage is another herb that can decrease milk supply. It is commonly used in cooking, but when consumed as tea, it has strong lactation-suppressing effects. Sage tea is sometimes recommended to mothers who are in the process of weaning their babies because of its ability to reduce milk flow.
Breastfeeding mothers who wish to maintain their milk supply should steer clear of sage tea. If you are actively breastfeeding and want to avoid any risk of low milk production, even small amounts of sage in your diet could have an impact.
4.Parsley Tea
Parsley is often used as a garnish or in salads, but parsley tea is also consumed for its diuretic and detoxifying properties. Unfortunately, parsley can also reduce milk supply in breastfeeding mothers when consumed in large amounts.
Although parsley is safe to eat in small quantities, drinking it as a tea can lead to a decrease in breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid parsley tea or use it very sparingly to prevent any disruption in milk production.
5.Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea is well-known for its energizing effects and is often used to reduce fatigue. However, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Ginseng can have strong stimulant effects that may pass through breast milk to the baby, leading to restlessness, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.
Additionally, ginseng is considered a powerful herb that may interact with medications or other health conditions. Due to its stimulating nature and potential risks for the baby, it is best to avoid ginseng tea while breastfeeding.
6.Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is commonly used for its calming properties, especially to aid sleep and relaxation. However, chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with sensitivities to ragweed, daisies, or other similar plants. These allergic reactions may extend to babies who are breastfeeding.
Though chamomile is generally considered safe in small amounts, it’s essential to monitor how both you and your baby react to it. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, difficulty breathing, or digestive issues in your baby, stop drinking chamomile tea and consult your doctor.
7.Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is often used to soothe coughs and sore throats, but it contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can lead to high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances if consumed in large quantities. More importantly, licorice root can also affect hormone levels and may reduce milk production.
Due to these potential risks, licorice root tea is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. If you need a soothing tea, consider safer alternatives like ginger or fennel tea, but always consult your doctor first.
8.Fenugreek Tea (In Large Quantities)
Fenugreek is often used as a natural remedy to increase breast milk production, but in large quantities, it can have the opposite effect. Drinking too much fenugreek tea may lead to digestive problems in both the mother and baby, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Fenugreek may also lower blood sugar levels, which could pose a risk for mothers who have diabetes or other related health conditions. If you decide to try fenugreek tea to boost milk supply, be sure to consult your doctor and use it in moderation to avoid potential side effects.
9.Aloe Vera Tea
Aloe vera is widely known for its skin-soothing properties, but when ingested as a tea, it can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea or stomach cramps. Aloe vera tea may also pass through breast milk and cause similar issues in babies, leading to discomfort or irritation.
Because of its strong laxative effects, breastfeeding mothers should avoid aloe vera tea. If you are looking for a gentle herbal tea, it’s best to stick to teas that are known to be safe for breastfeeding, such as fennel or ginger tea.
10.Comfrey Tea
Comfrey is an herb that is sometimes used in natural remedies for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, comfrey contains toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage. These compounds can pass into breast milk and pose serious risks to the baby.
Due to its potential toxicity, comfrey tea should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers altogether. It’s important to stay clear of any herbal remedies or teas that contain comfrey, as the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
See also: What Is The Whole30 Diet While Breastfeeding
Conclusion
While many teas can offer relaxation and health benefits, not all are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Caffeinated teas, peppermint, sage, and parsley can reduce milk supply, while other teas like ginseng, licorice root, and aloe vera may have harmful effects on both mother and baby.
Herbal teas should be approached with caution during breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor before trying any new tea or herbal remedy to ensure it is safe for you and your baby. When in doubt, choose teas known to be safe for breastfeeding, such as fennel, ginger, or rooibos, to support your health without risking your baby’s well-being.
