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As a new mother, nothing quite compares to those precious moments of connection while nursing your little one. But let's be honest – between the sleepless nights and constant demands of newborn care, you're probably longing for a comforting cup of tea to help you through.
The question is: which herbal teas are safe while breastfeeding?
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand this delicate balance between self-care and baby care. That's why we've pulled together this guide to help you navigate the world of herbal teas during your breastfeeding journey.
While herbs have been used for centuries to support women's health, not all are created equal when it comes to breastfeeding. Herbs are nature's medicine cabinet – powerful plant compounds that can transfer through breast milk to your baby. Some herbs can enhance your milk production, while others might reduce it or even cause unwanted effects.
Before you steep that tea bag, let's explore which herbs can be your allies and which ones deserve a pause while you're nursing.
The good news? There are plenty of delicious and beneficial herbs that are generally considered safe during lactation. Here are some breastfeeding-friendly options:
1. Fenugreek
Often referred to as the breastfeeding superhero, fenugreek has been used for centuries to boost milk supply. This seed contains phytoestrogens that are thought to increase milk production. Fun fact: when consuming fenugreek, you might notice your sweat smells slightly like maple syrup – a small price to pay for its potential benefits!
2. Fennel Seed
With its delicate liquorice-like flavour, fennel seed isn't just a tasty addition to your tea collection. It's considered a galactagogue (milk-enhancing herb) and may help soothe both your digestive system and your baby's if they're experiencing colic or gas.
3. Aniseed
Another herb with a pleasant liquorice flavour, aniseed has been traditionally used to support milk production and relieve digestive discomfort – a common challenge for both new mums and babies.
4. Nettle Leaf
This nutrient-packed herb is like nature's multivitamin for breastfeeding mums. Rich in iron, calcium, and other essential minerals, nettle can support your overall health while potentially boosting milk supply.
5. German Chamomile
The ultimate relaxation herb, chamomile can help ease stress and promote better sleep (when your little one allows it!). It's generally considered safe for breastfeeding and might help soothe both you and your baby.
6. Caraway Seed
Less commonly discussed but equally valuable, caraway seeds can support digestion and potentially help with milk production – a winning combination for nursing mothers.
7. Rooibos
Though not specifically a galactagogue, this caffeine-free South African tea is rich in antioxidants and makes a wonderful base for a breastfeeding-friendly cuppa.
8. Lemon Balm
This calming herb with a gentle citrus flavour can help reduce stress and promote relaxation without affecting your milk supply.
9. Oat Straw
Herbalists have long recommended oat straw for its nutritive properties and potential milk-enhancing effects.
10. Red Raspberry Leaf
While most famous for its use during the third trimester of pregnancy, raspberry leaf can continue to support postpartum recovery and overall uterine health during breastfeeding.
Your body burns approximately 500 extra calories per day while producing breast milk – that's equivalent to running about 5 miles!
Breastmilk composition changes throughout the day, with more sleep-inducing compounds in evening milk to help your baby settle for night-time.
Your breast milk is uniquely tailored to your baby's needs, changing its composition as your little one grows and even in response to illnesses they may encounter.
The longest recorded period of breastfeeding in modern times is 14 years – though the global average is closer to 2-3 years.
Left and right breasts often produce different amounts of milk, so it's completely normal if your baby seems to prefer one side.
While many herbs are beneficial, some can reduce milk supply or potentially cause unwanted effects. Consider avoiding or limiting:
1. Sage
While delicious in cooking, sage is actually used to decrease milk supply when weaning, so it's best avoided during active breastfeeding unless you're dealing with oversupply issues.
2. Peppermint (in large amounts)
A little peppermint is generally fine, but concentrated amounts or frequent consumption might reduce milk production in some women.
3. Parsley (in large amounts)
Similar to peppermint, small amounts in food are fine, but concentrated parsley tea might affect supply.
4. Oregano and Thyme (in medicinal amounts)
While these culinary herbs are safe in food, their concentrated essential oils or medicinal preparations might affect milk supply.
5. Herbal Combination Products for Weight Loss
Many of these contain herbs specifically chosen to increase metabolism, which might inadvertently decrease milk production.
6. Certain Laxative Herbs
Herbs like senna, aloe, rhubarb root, and cascara can cause digestive upset in some babies.
When we formulated our Milk Flow Tea, we carefully selected ingredients that have been traditionally used to support lactation while providing a delicious, soothing experience for tired new mums.
Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea
Our thoughtfully selected ingredients include:
Each ingredient has been carefully proportioned by our expert herbalists to create a balanced blend that supports your breastfeeding journey naturally.
While we're discussing supportive teas, let's remember why breastfeeding itself is worth supporting:
Benefits for Your Baby:
Perfect Nutrition: Breast milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients, antibodies, enzymes, and immune factors specifically tailored to your baby's needs.
Immune System Support: Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations compared to formula-fed infants.
Reduced Risk of SIDS: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Digestive Health: The prebiotics in breast milk support healthy gut bacteria, potentially reducing conditions like colic and constipation.
Long-term Health: Research suggests breastfed babies may have lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and certain allergies later in life.
Benefits for Mum:
Faster Recovery: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps your uterus contract back to pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
Calorie Burn: Those extra 500 calories burned daily can help with postpartum weight management.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Breastfeeding is linked to lower rates of breast and ovarian cancers.
Cost Savings: Breast milk is free, saving hundreds compared to formula.
Convenience: No need to prepare bottles or pack supplies for outings (though a good water bottle for yourself is essential!).
With so many products on the market, how do you make the right choice? Here are our top tips:
1. Look for Transparency in Ingredients
Choose teas that clearly list all ingredients on the packaging. At Myrtle & Maude, we proudly display our formulations and percentages of each herb used.
2. Choose Organic When Possible
Conventional herbs may contain pesticide residues that could transfer to breast milk. Our entire range is certified organic, giving you peace of mind.
3. Avoid "Proprietary Blends" Without Clear Ingredients
Some products hide behind proprietary formulations without disclosing what's actually in the blend. Transparency matters when you're breastfeeding!
4. Consult Healthcare Providers
Always discuss herbal supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you or your baby have any medical conditions or take medications.
5. Quality Matters
Look for reputable companies using high-quality ingredients. At Myrtle & Maude, our pregnancy and postpartum range is formulated by expert herbalists specifically for each stage of the motherhood journey, using only GMO-free, certified organic ingredients in biodegradable tea bags.
Start Slowly:Begin with small amounts of any new herbal tea to monitor how both you and your baby respond.
Practice Moderation:Even with safe herbs, moderation is key. Aim for 1-3 cups daily of lactation-supporting teas rather than excessive amounts.
Stay Hydrated Overall:Remember that general hydration supports milk production, so keep drinking plenty of water alongside your herbal teas.
Watch for Reactions:If you notice any changes in your baby's behaviour, sleep patterns, or digestion after introducing a new tea, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
What makes our Milk Flow Tea and other products different? Our commitment to supporting women through every stage of their motherhood journey with truly natural, effective solutions.
Our complete pregnancy and postpartum range includes:
Every product is:
Breastfeeding represents one of the most remarkable connections between mother and child – a journey worth supporting in every way possible. With the right herbal allies in your cup, you can nurture yourself while nurturing your little one.
Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique. What works wonderfully for one mother might not for another. Listen to your body, observe your baby, and don't hesitate to seek support from lactation consultants and healthcare providers along the way.
At Myrtle & Maude, we're honoured to be part of your motherhood story, creating products that support you naturally through every extraordinary phase. Because we believe that when mothers are supported, families thrive.
Here's to your health, your baby's wellbeing, and finding those small moments of comfort – perhaps with a warm cup of Milk Flow Tea in hand – amidst the beautiful chaos of new motherhood.
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. (2011). ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion. Breastfeeding Medicine, 6(1), 41-49.https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2011.9998
Budzynska, K., Gardner, Z. E., Dugoua, J. J., Low Dog, T., & Gardiner, P. (2012). Systematic review of breastfeeding and herbs. Breastfeeding Medicine, 7(6), 489-503.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3523241/
Victora, C. G., Bahl, R., Barros, A. J., França, G. V., Horton, S., Krasevec, J., ... & Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475-490.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)01024-7/fulltext
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding any herbal supplements to your diet while breastfeeding. Individual responses to herbs may vary, and what works for one mother may not work for another. Myrtle & Maude products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you or your baby experience any adverse reactions after consuming herbal teas or supplements, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
