You should avoid teas while breastfeeding that are either proven unsafe, or for which further study is required. The reason for this lack of certainty comes from the FDA labeling herbs as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).
To help lose weight while breastfeeding, work up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
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Avoid ginseng due to possible estrogenic activity and lack of information during breastfeeding.
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Avoid peppermint, parsley and sage as they may affect milk production.
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Limit or avoid caffeinated teas like black, green and oolong tea while breastfeeding. Caffeine can irritate babies and disrupt sleep.
Researchers found babies nursed longer, sucked harder and drank more garlic-scented milk.
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Avoid sage tea, peppermint, spearmint, and parsley tea as they may reduce milk supply.
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Do not take slimming teas or tablets while breastfeeding as they may be harmful.
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Breastfeeding itself does not cause the body to hold onto weight.
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When drinking tea while breastfeeding, limit caffeine to 2-3 cups per day. Drink tea after breastfeeding instead of before.
What not to drink while breastfeeding?
It is advised that breastfeeding mothers avoid herbal medicines due to lack of information on safety. Alcohol should be avoided completely. Excess caffeine intake over 300mg per day has been associated with irritability and insomnia in infants.
During Covid-19 pandemic, intake provided psychological benefits but was linked with neonatal withdrawal syndrome when consumed excessively by mothers.
Recommendations are not medical advice but should prompt informed discussions between mothers and healthcare providers.
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It’s best to avoid detox teas with fasts and restricted diets detrimental to breast milk production.
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If looking for safe caffeine-free herbal teas while breastfeeding, many provide health benefits. However, limit all tea to 2-3 cups daily, preferably after breastfeeding. It’s essential to make informed choices on intake to ensure health of both mother and baby.
What herbs should you avoid while breastfeeding?
It is advised that mothers avoid herbal medicine while breastfeeding. Herbs can decrease milk supply or harm the baby. Alkaloids are unsafe as they can damage the liver which removes toxins. Some kitchen herbs are fine for cooking but may decrease supply in large amounts. Herbs that may harm mom and baby: bladderwrack, buckthorn, alkanet, Indian snakeroot, thyme, and yarrow. Tanning is safe but carotene supplements should be avoided. Herbs can pass into breast milk so most herbs and supplements are unsafe. They may reduce supply or be toxic for infants. Check with your doctor before using herbs. Occasional culinary herbs are safe. Unsafe teas lack evidence they won’t harm infants so avoid them. If you have low milk, avoid herbs that further reduce supply.
Black tea while breastfeeding
Consuming moderate amounts (2-3 cups per day) while breastfeeding is likely safe. However, it has high caffeine content. Experts suggest pregnant women limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg daily. Excessive caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other issues. Caffeine passes into breast milk and may cause irritability or disturb infant sleep.
Energy drinks while breastfeeding
To understand whether energy drinks are safe while breastfeeding, look at the ingredients. Most contain caffeine, which passes into breast milk. In addition to caffeine, energy drinks may also contain other substances not recommended while breastfeeding.
Herbal teas to avoid while breastfeeding
Nursing mothers should avoid certain teas while breastfeeding to ensure infant health. As herbal teas are unregulated, there are no guarantees of purity, safety or strength. Some herbal teas may reduce breast milk supply or quality.
Green tea while breastfeeding
Although it is restricted for pregnant and breastfeeding women. People with anxiety issues should avoid it. People who drink alcohol and smoke should not drink it as it may increase cancer risk.
Some studies link drinking large amounts over long periods with increased cancer risk. This includes cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. The risk may increase more if you also smoke or regularly drink alcohol. Pregnant women may want to check with a health provider before drinking it.