Is Green Tea Safe While Breastfeeding?
Green tea has long been hailed for its numerous health benefits, and it’s no wonder women want to include it in their diets while nursing. But does the added boost of health come with any potential risks for their babies?
Benefits of Green Tea for Breastfeeding Women
The primary benefit of consuming green tea while breastfeeding is its rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants help your body protect itself from disease, reduce inflammation, and even boost energy. Some antioxidants like EGCG, have been suggested to exhibit antiviral and anti-bacterial properties, making green tea an ideal choice for boosting the immune system.
Green tea also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has low caffeine content which can give you an energy boost when caffeine from coffee isn’t well tolerated.
Potential Risks of Green Tea for Breastfeeding Women
The biggest concern of drinking green tea while breastfeeding is the caffeine content. Though green tea contains low levels of caffeine than some other forms of tea, even small amounts of caffeine can be passed to the baby through breast milk and lead to baby’s sleep disruption and lack of appetite.
There’s also a small concern that phenolic compounds present in green tea can upset your baby’s stomach. It’s important to note that these compounds can be found in other foods you eat while breastfeeding, so it’s important to watch your baby’s response to other dietary changes as well.
Is Green Tea Safe for Breastfeeding Women?
In moderate amounts, green tea is generally considered safe for nursing mothers. To make sure you’re not taking in too much caffeine or other compounds, it’s best to:
- Limits yourself to no more than two cups a day
- Choose a decaffeinated or herbal version of green tea
- Address any concerns with your healthcare provider
Overall, green tea can be an excellent part of a nursing mother’s diet, but it’s important to pay attention to your baby’s response. If your baby is exhibiting any unexplained symptoms, be sure to speak to your doctor.
