Which Herbal Teas are Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding?

You can enjoy a cup of tea while breastfeeding. The secret is knowing which teas are safe to consume during this important time of baby’s development.

No doubt you were highly cautious of foods and drinks you consumed during your pregnancy. Moreover, now that you are breastfeeding your levels of caution are likely to be high-scale.

If you are an avid tea drinker or enjoy a cup of tea now and then, the good news is you can still have time out with your teacup during breastfeeding.

Most teas consume caffeine. And, although there are no specific Australian guidelines for safe levels of caffeine whilst breastfeeding, according to Baby Centre, the National Health and Medical Research Council still recommends moderating your intake while breastfeeding.

However, when lack of sleep is all the rage, and you crave an energy booster or two, a quick herbal tea pick-me-up is hard to resist.

So, what are the ‘safe’ recommended levels of caffeine intake while breastfeeding?

Health experts in the US and the UK both say a daily intake of up to 300mg of caffeine during breastfeeding is unlikely to have any detrimental impact on your baby.

The measure of caffeine is dependent on which food and drink you consume and how those goods are made.

As a guide, 300mg of caffeine is equivalent to about:

• 3 cups of standard tea
• 2 cups of instant coffee
• 1 mug of filtered or percolated coffee
• 2 cups of pod coffee
• 1 ½ cups of espresso, latte or cappuccino
• 3 mugs of hot chocolate
• 1 ½ kg of milk chocolate
• 450g of dark chocolate

However, rather than get reliant on a caffeine fix of chocolate or coffee while breastfeeding, herbal teas offer a gentler way to enjoy some time out instead.

Generally, you can enjoy more good quality herbal tea with less of the nasty ingredients such as sugar, artificial sweeteners and extra calories!

For example, according to the same list as above, six cups of green tea typically contains about 300mg of caffeine – that’s six cups to only three cups of standard black tea.

However, note that some green teas, including matcha green tea, may have a higher content of caffeine and should be consumed less often. 

If you are keen on having a cup of tea and want to limit its caffeine content, you can also try changing the way you brew your tea. Reducing the steeping time of your tea from five minutes to one minute may reduce the caffeine content by as much as half. ^[1]

Herbal teas also offer plenty of other health-promoting benefits. You can check these out more in detail on our Bondi Beach Tea Co. blog page.

Which teas are traditionally safe to drink while breastfeeding?

Teas that are traditionally renowned as being safe to drink while breastfeeding include:

• ginger tea
• orange peel and citrus peel teas
• linden flower tea
• rosehip tea, which also contains a boost of vitamin C
• orange cinnamon tea
• lemon tea
• chamomile tea (may also help you and bub rest better)

However, for additional benefits, while breastfeeding, you might also like to consider the following list of teas which are traditionally linked to helping support milk supply.

• fenugreek, please note large amounts may impact blood sugar levels
• blessed thistle in small quantities
• fennel, also in small amounts
• nettle
• milk thistle
• alfalfa
• raspberry leaf tea – check out Bondi Beach Tea Co’s super tasty organic raspberry leaf tea

Most of the above ingredients (and more) are found in Bondi Beach Tea Co’s Mothers Milk Support Tea. We crafted this very special, fragrant and easy-to-drink herbal tea blend to support breastfeeding mothers.

For more information, please visit Mothers Milk Support Tea.

Things to remember if consuming tea while breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, you must remember that not all teas are created the same. Even though you may be drinking the same kind of tea, there are many variances between tea brands. Ensure you check the label before consuming any tea while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please check with your health professional if you have any pending health concerns for yourself or your baby. If you have any allergies to plants or pollen, also consult a health professional before consuming herbal tea.

If drinking tea while breastfeeding be sure to opt for a tea that has no added caffeine.

Keep measure of the other foods you consume that might also contain caffeine as you don’t want to double-up on your intake.

Looking for a good quality herbal tea that is safe to drink while breastfeeding? Check out two of Bondi Beach Tea Co’s best:

• Mothers Milk Support Tea
• Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea

Moreover, for a complete range of health-promoting herbal tea blends, we have a full range of teas that are perfect for every occasion. Our teas are all-natural and are made just the way nature intended. No nasty additives or laxatives.

FAQ: Determining Safe Teas for Breastfeeding

Q: How can I tell if a tea is safe for breastfeeding?

A: To ensure a tea is safe for breastfeeding, look for herbal teas specifically marketed as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Always check the ingredient list for any herbs known to be unsafe during this period. Consulting healthcare professionals or lactation consultants can also provide guidance on safe options.

Q: Are there any ingredients I should avoid in teas while breastfeeding?

A: Yes, certain herbs should be avoided while breastfeeding due to their potential effect on milk supply or baby’s health. These include peppermint, parsley, and sage, which can reduce milk supply, and others like eucalyptus, licorice root, and lemongrass, which may not be safe for the baby.

Q: Can drinking herbal tea increase my milk supply?

A: Some herbal teas are known for their galactagogue properties, meaning they can help increase milk supply. Herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel are traditionally used to enhance lactation. However, it’s important to consume these in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplement.

Q: How much herbal tea can I safely drink while breastfeeding?

A: While herbal teas are generally considered safe, moderation is key. Drinking 1–3 cups of herbal tea per day is usually considered safe, but this can vary based on the type of herbs used. Always start with a smaller amount to see how your body and your baby react.

Q: Are there any certifications or labels I should look for when choosing a tea for breastfeeding?

A: Look for teas labeled as organic and non-GMO, as these tend to have fewer pesticides and chemicals. Teas certified as "safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding" by reputable health organizations also offer an extra layer of assurance regarding their safety.

For more detail – Shop Our Store!

Sources:

1. Baby Centre: Caffeine and breastfeeding