The most common worry a lot of nursing moms are plagued with is insufficient milk supply. Lactation teas have become one of the most popular breastfeeding drinks in recent years, and quite literally, are a boon for new moms who want to enhance their milk production or possibly pump milk to store for later.
While breastfeeding and breastmilk supply works on the simple demand and supply model (meaning you are able to produce as much as your baby demands and keeps feeding), there are certain times when you really need that extra help. And that’s when lactation teas come into the picture!
If that’s you, and you’re wondering how breastfeeding teas can help, and which ones are the best, keep reading, because we’ve covered everything here!
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Can I Drink Tea While Breastfeeding?
So you’ve heard a lot about how caffeine is a big no-no during pregnancy and even while you’re breastfeeding. While lactation teas might sound counterintuitive, they’re actually not.
First off, caffeine consumption in moderation is okay while you’re breastfeeding.
Secondly, most lactation teas that are available commercially have little or no caffeine, and instead, pack in some valuable ingredients and herbs that can help increase your breastmilk supply.
There are also teas that are safe for breastfeeding, but do not necessarily help milk supply. So it’s important to choose a tea specially blended for breastfeeding moms if you are looking to produce more milk.
One example is green tea. Drinking green tea while breastfeeding is safe, but unlike the breastfeeding teas listed here, it does not increase breast milk production.
That said there are some herbs you want to avoid while breastfeeding. Read more about herbs that decrease milk supply here.
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How Do Teas for Breastfeeding Help?
Lactation teas work in different ways to enhance your breastmilk production.
Some ingredients that make up the tea mimic the production of estrogen in the body, which is thought to help improve breastmilk flow.
Some other ingredients are believed to enhance breastmilk supply by stimulating the release of prolactin hormone, or by stimulating the mammary glands and improving the flow of blood to the secretory cells.
In addition, sipping on tea also helps keep you hydrated, which is another absolute essential you need to focus on when you’re actively breastfeeding your baby.
Read about more ways to stay hydrated with lactation drinks here.
You’ll find tons of lactation teas available commercially, and most of them are actually packed with what are known as galactagogues.
Galactagogues are foods that help increase the production of breastmilk. Most of these foods are nutrient-dense and can be easily added to your daily foods.
If you are wondering how to get more of these foods into your diet, check out our breastfeeding meal plan.
Common Lactation Tea Ingredients
These are some of the most common herbal galactagogues that you will find as ingredients in breastfeeding teas. When choosing a breastfeeding tea, make sure that it contains 2 or more of these herbs are the known to help lactation.
If you would like to learn more about the research behind the herbs in lactation teas check out this study by the Canadian Journal of Midwifery.
Fennel
Fennel has been found to contain estrogen-like compounds which in turn, improve the supply of breastmilk. You can add fresh fennel to your breastfeeding soups and salads, or even add it to your tea.
Milk Thistle
This amazing herb has been used to help boost lactation for breastfeeding mother’s for centuries.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is probably one of the most powerful foods that boost milk supply. This herb can be easily added to breastfeeding dinner recipes or taken as a supplement, but if you’re not up for either, adding it to your tea can also help!
Nettle leaf
Nettle is a very common medicinal herb in North America and Europe. It is known for fighting inflammation and high levels of calcium and iron. For breastfeeding mother’s these extra nutrients can assist stimulating milk production.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Many moms use red raspberry leaf during pregnancy. But it also very useful during postpartum and while breastfeeding. It is high in vitamins, nutrients and can help with milk production.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa contains a plant-component that resemble estrogens called phytoestrogens that can help to increase milk supply. It can also help with managing blood sugar and digestive health.
Blessed Thistle
Not the same plant as milk thistle but also very beneficial for making more milk while nursing. Blessed thistle is believed to increase the hormones prolactin and oxytocin which can increase breast milk and help make milk flow easier.
All of these lactation tea ingredients provide nutrients and some health benefits. Different combinations of herbs will have different results.
When buying lactation tea, look for a brand that has high quality ingredients, and includes some combination of the herbs above. Make sure that it does not include extra fillers like sugar, additives or preservatives.
Read more about the best lactation supplements for breastfeeding moms.
What to expect when drinking lactation tea while breastfeeding:
- improved milk flow from the breast
- stronger let down effect
- producing a higher volume of milk
- producing higher quality milk supply
- feeling of being easier to breastfeed
Learn more about how to produce more milk here
When to start drinking lactation tea?
You can start to drinking lactation tea the day you give birth, throughout postpartum and while breastfeeding.
It is not necessary to start drinking lactation tea before giving birth in order to boost your breast milk.
Which are the Best Breastfeeding Teas?
A lot of these commercially available teas contain a blend of two or more of the herbs and ingredients listed above to help breastfeeding moms get the best benefits out of the tea.
On the downside, with the ton of choices, you might have, picking the right one for you can get a tad bit tricky.
So here’s our thoughts on the best breastfeeding tea.
Best Lactation Teas
Here’s a quick list of some of the best teas for breastfeeding that help breast milk production.
Oat Mama Lactation Tea
Oat Mama has some of the best lactation teas you could get your hands on. With a number of different flavors for you to pick from, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Plus, it is fenugreek-free and contains a blend of herbs, organically sourced to make your breastfeeding journey easier.
Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk Tea
Traditional Medicinals are experts on herbal teas, They have a huge range of teas crafted specially for moms during the childbearing years.
Get your hands on its Mother’s Milk tea which contains non-GMO and 100% organic ingredients and herbs. It was one of the first lactation teas available on the market . and has set the standard for what a breastfeeding tea should be.
This one has hints of lemongrass and spearmint.
Organic Milk Maid Tea
Earth Mama is one of the best brands for lactation teas. Why? Well, that’s simply because it is crafted with ingredients that are not just organic but also GMO free. It is also certified kosher and is a caffeine free tea you can enjoy iced or warm.
This one contains fenugreek with a hint of orange and anise for added flavor.
Pink Stork Lactation Tea
Pink Stork is another brand that offers 100% organic lactation teas to support your breastmilk production.
This tea is formulated by certified herbalists and made by a women-owned and run company!
If flavor has kept you from trying lactation tea, give this one a try. Pink Stork's blend comes in a vanilla flavor and contains the natural sweetener stevia. There are hot and iced versions available.
REPUBLIC OF TEA Organic Fenugreek Superherb Tea
Republic of Tea has a ton of options for tea lovers, and naturally, they also have an organic breastfeeding tea variant too!
Its Fenugreek superherb tea is a blend of fenugreek, cinnamon and carrot that is great for boosting milk supply.
The flavor is sweet and savory.
Mrs. Patel's Milk Water Tea
Ms. Patel's is a premium lactation tea highly rated by customers and lactation consultants. It's Chai Spice blend is rich and sweet with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom.
It caffeine free and contains no fenugreek.
This traditional Indian blend can be enjoyed hot or cold. There's a loose leaf version and tea bag version.
Secrets Of Tea Healthy Lactation Tea
Secrets of Tea was developed by a breastfeeding mother who struggled with a colicky, gassy baby.
This delicious blend contains rose hips, lemon verbena, nettle, fennel, anise, red Raspberry leaves and lemongrass that can be served hot or cold.
While there are several other options for lactation tea out there, these above are the top options based on the quality of ingredients, customer reviews, and evaluation of herbal blends.
Have you tried any of these lactation teas? Did they work for you? Have a favorite brand? Share with us in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more teas to try: Healthy iced tea recipes
More Breastfeeding Drinks For You
Here are a few breastfeeding drink recipes that can help boost milk supply below.
Lactation Latte with Green Tea
More Breastfeeding Resources
Here at Birth Eat Love our goal is to make healthy eating easier for busy Moms during postpartum and breastfeeding.
Homemade breastfeeding snack recipes – this ebook has some great recipes that are low in sugar and dairy free for boosting milk supply.
Wondering what foods you can eat that will help increase your milk supply? This post has 11 real foods that you can eat today to make more milk and includes recipes, supplements and product suggestions.
Do you have a colicky or super fussy breastfed baby? There are some foods you may be eating that could be making your baby uncomfortable. Read about a few foods to avoid while breastfeeding here.
Looking for breastfeeding recipes that can help support your milk production? Here are 9 breastfeeding soups that you can make in the slow cooker or instant pot.
Interested in making freezer meals so you can have easy dinners? Check out this freezer meal ebook that has 12 recipes specifically designed to support breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
Tired of trying to decide what to eat while breastfeeding? Reduce the thinking and stressing about meal time with this simple breastfeeding meal plan.
Trying to find a way to cope with the summer heat? Look no further with These refreshing iced teas
