Can You Drink Tea While Breastfeeding?
Are you a new mom who loves the comforting warmth and taste of tea? You may be wondering if it’s okay to drink tea while you are breastfeeding.
The good news is that moderate amounts of tea are likely to be fine while you are breastfeeding. However, there are a few things to think about.
Seek the Advice of an Expert
If you have any health concerns, it’s best to consult with a health practitioner before consuming any herbal or other teas. They will be able to advise you about any risks.
Moderate Amounts Only
Generally, if you like to drink tea, it’s ok to drink moderate amounts of it while you are breastfeeding. What is considered “moderate” varies between individuals. Just listen to your body and if it says to take a break, take a break.
Types of Tea to Avoid
In general, it’s best to avoid the following types of tea while you breastfeed:
- High caffeine teas – avoid large amounts of teas such as black tea and oolong, as these contain more caffeine than other teas.
- Herbal teas – some of these can contain high levels of herbs that may affect a baby. Such herbs include chamomile, licorice root and peppermint.
- Decaffeinated tea – there are still small amounts of caffeine in this tea, which can affect a baby’s sleep and can pass through your breast milk.
What About Milk Tea?
Adding milk to tea can increase your calcium intake, which is great. However, you may want to avoid adding too much sugar or flavored syrups to your tea, as these can affect your baby’s health.
Conclusion
Ultimately, as long as you drink tea in moderation and avoid certain types of tea, drinking tea while breastfeeding is likely to be fine. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
