Can a nursing mom drink green, herbal tea?

Can a nursing mother drink tea, and what kind of tea should she choose? This question is very important, especially if you have a baby in the first three months of life. After all, it is at this age that children are very sensitive to everything that their mothers eat and drink when they breastfeed.

Benefits of Tea for Moms During Lactation

Motherhood is the period when you become more conscious in making decisions about healthier food and lifestyle. What can and cannot be drunk while breastfeeding? You can drink many drinks, but it is important that your child tolerates them. Those drinks that are definitely not allowed to be drunk are limited only by one condition - your child's intolerance. It is important to focus on those drinks that the mother drank before pregnancy and during the period of bearing the child. After all, they are considered familiar to the baby, so they can be drunk.

It is very important for the mother to drink enough liquid. This is necessary not only for normal milk production, but also for the health of the mother's and baby's intestines. One of the drinks that a mother can drink during lactation is tea. Sometimes the amount of coffee is limited, and the only hot drink is tea. What tea is best for nursing mothers? Of course, the question of individual tolerance is of primary importance here. It is better to start experimenting with green tea, as it is healthier than black. If you drink green tea while breastfeeding and the baby has no reaction, then you can continue to drink it without fear.

Is it safe to drink green tea while breastfeeding and how healthy is it? Yes, it is safe to drink green tea when consumed in moderation as it will not have any side effects on the baby. You should choose green tea that contains only tea and no other ingredients or additives in it. The effects of additives in green teas are unknown and may be harmful to the baby. Bottled green tea is also safe as it is only tea with no artificial additives. Sticking to green tea is the best way to enjoy the beverage when you are breastfeeding. But this does not mean you can drink a cup every hour.

How much green tea is safe when breastfeeding? Only two cups a day, with each cup being about 230 ml, is safe. Green tea is rich in several antioxidants, but also contains caffeine. One cup (230 ml) contains about 29 mg of caffeine, while daily caffeine intake (from all beverages) during lactation should not exceed 300 mg per day.

Drinking too much green tea can cause excess caffeine to pass into breast milk, which can cause side effects in the baby: irritability and fussiness, increased intestinal motility, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, and colic.

There is also a belief that drinking too much green tea can reduce your breast milk production. A chemical called tannin, found naturally in tea, can interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. This occurs when excess green tea is consumed with iron-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables. There is no effect when eating animal products, such as meat.

If your baby is intolerant to green tea, it does not necessarily mean that he or she will be intolerant to other types of tea. White tea can also be used during breastfeeding because it retains all the beneficial properties of green tea. This type of tea is considered to be the richest in beneficial elements because it is collected from the youngest twigs of tea. It is the least processed, which preserves many antioxidants in it. White tea contains nutrients and antimicrobial properties that protect the body from developing diseases. It contains tannins, fluoride, and flavonoids such as catechins and polyphenols. These compounds are responsible for the various benefits that this tea provides. With so many anti-aging and antioxidant properties, this tea is truly beneficial for all of us. The health benefits include its antioxidant effect. The presence of free radicals in the body causes damage to the organs of the body. It contains polyphenols that help neutralize these free radicals, making them less destructive. Research results show that this tea can increase the antioxidant effect of organs as well as plasma, including passing it on to the baby through breast milk. In premature babies, white tea has benefits because white tea extracts with their antioxidant properties help in neuroprotecting the baby's brain cells.

Black tea can also be consumed by a mother while breastfeeding, but it is important to remember that it contains a lot of caffeine. Strong black tea can cause constipation in the mother or the child, which is important to remember.

Nursing mothers can drink hibiscus tea with caution. This tea is dried from hibiscus leaves, which have a specific aroma and can become an allergen for the child. That is why this drink should be consumed with caution in the early stages of lactation, avoiding allergic reactions.

Benefits or harm for nursing mothers of additives in tea

If the child tolerates a particular type of tea well, then it is necessary to stop at it. It is not recommended to experiment with different types of tea. But there are some features that allow mothers to drink tea with milk, cream or honey.

Drinking black tea with a splash of milk is the way millions of people start their day. Each of these ingredients has powerful health benefits. Polyphenols found in black tea are largely responsible for its health benefits. These chemical compounds act as antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals, unstable compounds that cause cell damage. Of all the foods that contain calcium, dairy products, including milk, have the highest concentration per serving. Calcium, a mineral that is important for your baby’s health, performs functions such as building and maintaining bones and teeth, transmitting nerve impulses, regulating heart rhythm, and clotting blood. Regularly drinking milk added to black tea can inhibit insulin activity and regulate your baby’s glucose levels. If your baby is premature, he or she is prone to fluctuating glucose levels, and tea with milk can regulate this. However, drinking tea with milk while breastfeeding has some precautions. Milk can cause colic in babies. And even a small sip of milk in tea can cause this. Therefore, despite all the benefits of tea with milk, it is necessary that you monitor your baby's reaction to such a drink.

Can a nursing mother drink tea with lemon? Of course, citric acid contains vitamin C, which increases immune reactivity. Also, lemon tea has excellent rehydrating properties, and it can quench your thirst while still providing health benefits. Lemon increases the health benefits of tea because the citrus juice makes the antioxidants in the tea more available to your body. The catechins in tea prefer an acidic environment, not an alkaline one. As tea passes from your stomach from an acidic environment to the more alkaline environment of your small intestine, the catechins are destroyed. Your body can absorb up to six times more catechins if your tea contains lemon. Lemon juice also reduces the effect of some compounds in tea that can limit your ability to absorb iron from foods.

Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C is vital for the development and repair of baby tissues, including skin, ligaments, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and teeth. Vitamin C is also important for rapid wound healing and scar tissue formation. Therefore, mothers can drink lemon tea while breastfeeding, and it may be even more beneficial than plain tea.

Can a nursing mother drink ginger tea? It is clear that such a plant causes a specific smell of tea and taste, which can affect the quality of breast milk. But only excessive consumption of ginger can cause bitterness of milk. If ginger is present in tea in moderate quantities, it is very useful. When you give your baby breast milk, your body's need for nutrients changes. Ginger can help your body better absorb nutrients from your food. Ginger tea can give you an instant boost of energy due to the activity of antioxidants in it.

Ginger can also boost the protective functions of blood cells and prevent viral diseases better than any medication. That is why in winter, ginger tea is very important for a woman who is breastfeeding and has a slightly weakened immune system.

Bergamot is an additive in tea that gives a special aroma to this drink. But like any additive, it can cause unwanted reactions in the child. That is why bergamot tea can be harmful for a nursing mother.

Can a nursing mother drink raspberry tea? Raspberries can be a very allergenic product and can cause a serious reaction. Raspberry tea is considered an excellent remedy for colds, especially considering that many medications are prohibited for mothers during breastfeeding. In addition, raspberries are rich in iron and help increase milk production. There is some controversy about whether raspberries should be used during lactation, given all the beneficial properties. But it is best to avoid raspberries until the baby is six months old.

In what form is it better to drink tea for its benefits: can a nursing mother drink sweet tea or tea with jam? A nursing mother can drink tea with sugar, but it is necessary to take into account that its excess affects not only excess weight, but also the behavior of the child. Excess glucose in the blood can cause a transient increase in insulin in the child, which has a risk of developing diabetes in the future. Tea with jam is not particularly useful, but there is a risk of developing allergies, so such tea is not recommended.

Many people say that it is good for a nursing mother to drink tea with condensed milk. Condensed milk is burnt sugar that is combined with dry milk. Therefore, such a product is not useful, but on the contrary harmful due to the huge amount of sugar it contains. This affects the process of milk formation, and therefore a nursing mother does not need to drink tea with condensed milk at all.

Can a nursing mother have honey with tea? Honey is deservedly considered a very healthy product. Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners on earth with several health benefits. It contains iron and small amounts of calcium, folate, vitamins C and B.

Properly made honey can even help boost the mother's immune system.

There is no scientific evidence on the side effects of using honey while breastfeeding. In most cases, honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers. In general, it is a good idea to avoid honey if you are sensitive to pollen, celery, or other bee products. Also, avoid drinking honey in tea if you have diabetes or high blood sugar. Honey tea is good during breastfeeding because it is soothing and relieves cold symptoms. Honey soothes a sore throat. These natural ingredients are also safe for your baby. However, if you notice a rash, fussiness, or diarrhea soon after breastfeeding, it may be a sign that your baby is sensitive to honey and you should no longer drink honey tea.

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Herbal teas during breastfeeding

Herbal tea has become quite popular in recent years. Herbal tea is a combination of different elements and parts of different plants. It does not contain tea leaves. By drinking well-infused herbal tea, a mother can absorb all the nutritional elements in an accessible form. While you are breastfeeding, it is important to know that what you eat or drink is safe for your baby or not. Your diet during lactation directly affects your health and the development of your baby. While most people believe that herbal tea helps cleanse the blood and increase breast milk production, medical research has not yet confirmed the exact benefits for new mothers that it offers. Like all other products you consume, herbal tea can also enter your bloodstream and soak up your breast milk. Such tea, while you are still breastfeeding, can even negatively affect the quantity and quality of your milk. Therefore, not all herbal teas are safe for breastfeeding, because not all natural ingredients mean that they are safe.

Some herbal teas are best drunk in moderation because they contain concentrated amounts of nutrients.

Herbal tea provides various nutrients that are essential for both the baby and mother. Unlike coffee, herbal tea does not contain caffeine. It helps reduce anxiety and stress.

Drinking herbal teas can help you include fluids in your daily diet so that you're not always drinking just water.

Regardless of the type of herbal tea you drink, make sure you don't drink more than two cups a day.

Chamomile is a useful calming herb that is effective in many pathologies. When a woman is breastfeeding, chamomile is a safe herb for both you and your baby. Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and relieves stomach pain or severe headaches. If you suffer from excessive stress or anxiety, herbal tea can keep you calm and relaxed. Chamomile tea during the nursing phase helps the mother calm her nervous system and the baby's, which helps him sleep better. During breastfeeding, if you cannot sleep peacefully and suffer from anxiety, hot chamomile tea before bed can be a good option for you.

Chamomile tea is an effective herbal tea to relieve you from anxiety. It also relaxes the intestinal muscles and improves the digestion process for both mother and baby. Another important reason to drink chamomile tea during lactation is its ability to boost the immune system. According to scientific research, this herb boosts the immune system and protects your body from numerous diseases such as colds, flu, and viral infections.

The presence of certain compounds in chamomile tea makes it an effective blood thinner. Regular consumption of chamomile tea improves blood circulation and stimulates healthy blood vessels.

Considering all the beneficial properties of this tea, you can consume moderate amounts of chamomile tea while breastfeeding.

Can a nursing mother drink fennel tea? Fennel contains biologically active substances that can, like female hormones, increase the amount of breast milk. This tea is also useful for babies with colic - it effectively removes excess gases from the intestines, so it can be consumed by a mother during lactation.

Rosehip tea can be useful for a nursing mother due to its protective properties for the liver. Therefore, rosehip tea can be an effective remedy for children with jaundice. Rosehip is full of vitamins and minerals, it is rich in biologically active substances, C, A, K, P vitamins, pectin, microelements, and due to this feature it is able to defeat various diseases, including those of the liver, kidneys and urinary tract. Rosehip calms the nervous system and prevents fatigue in the mother, and helps fight anemia in the child.

Linden tea is useful for boosting immunity and is not highly allergenic, so lactating mothers can drink this tea. In contrast, tea with oregano and thyme can not only cause allergies, but also affect the taste of milk, so nursing mothers are not recommended to drink it.

Can a nursing mother drink jasmine tea? Jasmine tea is the most well-known form of aromatic tea. Jasmine tea, like any other green tea or black tea, contains some caffeine. This means that even if you find that drinking jasmine tea makes you feel alert, avoid drinking more than two cups while breastfeeding.

Peppermint is a soothing herb best known for treating gum pain, stomach problems, and digestive issues. Peppermint’s soothing effect reduces anxiety, diarrhea, and flatulence. The active ingredient in peppermint has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Peppermint tea is a great energy booster and helps you overcome stress and anxiety while you are breastfeeding. The menthol present in the herbal tea acts as a muscle relaxant and provides tremendous relief to your nipples while nursing.

But despite its health benefits, breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid mint tea as it reduces breast milk supply. Researchers conclude that the methanol present in mint may pass into your breast milk and cause diarrhea or skin irritation in your baby. Mint may cause or increase spitting up in your baby. The soothing herb relaxes the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, which causes spitting up.

Instead, a nursing mother can drink lemon balm tea to calm the situation.

Ivan-tea is often recommended to nursing mothers for insomnia and capriciousness in children. But it is important to remember that this tea has flowers that can cause allergic reactions in children.

Drinking tea while breastfeeding is necessary to replenish the losses that the mother regularly has during lactation. But even the best doctor cannot advise you which tea to choose. After all, only you can decide which tea is right for your child and drink this particular drink.