What teas should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Teas to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often seek to maintain a healthy diet, and beverages like tea can be a comforting choice. However, not all teas are safe during this period. Certain herbal and caffeinated teas can pose risks to both the mother and the baby, making it essential to be informed about which ones to avoid.
Caffeinated Teas
One of the primary concerns with tea consumption during breastfeeding is caffeine. Teas such as black, green, and white tea contain significant amounts of caffeine, which can pass into breast milk. This transfer can lead to potential issues for infants, including irritability and sleep disturbances. Experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to avoid these adverse effects on the baby.
Herbal Teas to Avoid
In addition to caffeinated teas, several herbal teas are advised against during breastfeeding due to their potential effects on milk supply or infant health. Some of the notable herbal teas to avoid include:
– Ginseng: Known for its stimulating properties, ginseng can affect both the mother and the baby, potentially leading to increased heart rates and other side effects.
– Kava: This herb is often used for its calming effects, but it can also lead to liver toxicity and should be avoided.
– Peppermint: While commonly consumed, peppermint tea may reduce milk supply in some women, making it a questionable choice for breastfeeding mothers.
– Lemongrass and Oregano: These herbs can also be problematic, as they may cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in sensitive infants.
The Importance of Consultation
Given the variability in how different herbs and teas can affect individuals, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before introducing new teas into their diet. Some herbs may not have well-documented effects, and the lack of regulation in herbal products means that their purity and strength can vary significantly.
Conclusion
While tea can be a soothing beverage for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted. Avoiding caffeinated teas and certain herbal varieties can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable. Always consider discussing dietary choices with a healthcare professional to tailor advice to individual circumstances.

Are there any teas you shouldn’t drink while breastfeeding?

Teas containing any of the herbs mentioned above may not be safe for breastfeeding. That includes chamomile, echinacea, and ginger teas; yerba mate; and teas with valerian, sage, kava kava, anise, ginseng, comfrey, lavender, licorice root, passionflower, red clover, senna, or St.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

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

What teas dry up breast milk?

Herbal teas containing sage are available. These could easily be diluted until you find an amount that works best for you. Other herbs that have the potential to dry up breast milk include: peppermint.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

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 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 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.

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.

Does peppermint tea affect milk supply?

Peppermint and sage are reputed to decrease milk production when consumed in large or concentrated amounts. Frequent brushing with toothpaste containing real peppermint oil or even eating potent peppermint candies has caused trouble for some mothers.

What drinks dry 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.