What Tea Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

When it comes to choosing beverages while breastfeeding, many new mothers often turn to herbal teas as a soothing and comforting option. However, not all teas are safe for consumption during this special time. It is essential to be mindful of the ingredients in the teas you consume to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.

Some herbal teas can have adverse effects on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. It is recommended to avoid teas that contain certain herbs, as they can potentially pose risks. These herbs include chamomile, echinacea, ginger, yerba mate, valerian, sage, kava kava, anise, ginseng, comfrey, lavender, licorice root, passionflower, red clover, senna, and St. John’s Wort.

Chamomile tea, known for its calming properties, should be avoided while breastfeeding due to the potential risk it poses to infants. In some cases, chamomile may cause drowsiness or allergic reactions in nursing babies. Echinacea, a commonly used herb to boost the immune system, is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it could potentially create allergic reactions in both mother and child.

Ginger tea, often consumed for its digestive benefits, is another herb that should be avoided while breastfeeding. While ginger is generally safe in moderate amounts, it is best to err on the side of caution during this sensitive period. Yerba mate, a tea high in caffeine content, should also be omitted from your tea selection to prevent any excess caffeine intake passing to your baby.

Teas containing valerian, sage, kava kava, anise, ginseng, comfrey, lavender, licorice root, passionflower, red clover, senna, or St. John’s Wort should all be avoided while breastfeeding. These herbs have been associated with various side effects, ranging from hormonal disruptions to gastrointestinal issues, that could negatively affect breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

It is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to be cautious when selecting herbal teas to include in their diet. While some teas are generally safe for consumption, others may pose risks that are best avoided. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant before introducing any new herbal teas into your diet while breastfeeding.

What Tea Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Photo of author

Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).