Can i drink green tea while breastfeeding
Green Tea While Breast-Feeding: Harmful for Baby?
When you’re breast-feeding, you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet.
The things you eat and drink can be transferred to your baby through your milk. Women who are breast-feeding are advised to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications.
You’ve probably heard that tea has less caffeine than coffee, and green tea is considered healthy because of its antioxidants. So is it safe to drink green tea while you’re breast-feeding?
Read on to learn more about the caffeine content of green tea and what doctors recommend for women during breast-feeding.
Doctors don’t recommend giving young children caffeine, and the same goes for babies. While research hasn’t shown any permanent or life-threatening side effects from drinking caffeine during breast-feeding, it certainly can cause issues. Babies exposed to caffeine through breast milk may be more irritable or have trouble sleeping. And nobody wants a fussy baby if it can be avoided.
Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, says, “Caffeine can stay in your system for five to 20 hours. If you are taking medications, have higher body fat, or other medical problems, it may stick around longer.”
Caffeine can stay in a newborn’s system much longer than an adult’s system, so you could be dealing with fussiness and sleep problems for quite some time.
Green tea certainly doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee, and you can even get caffeine-free varieties. An 8-ounce serving of regular green tea has about 24 to 45 mg, compared with 95 to 200 mg in brewed coffee.
“In general, you can drink one to three cups of green tea a day and not have any harmful effects on your newborn,” explains Dr. Ross. “It’s recommended not to consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day if you’re breast-feeding.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk contains less than 1 percent of the caffeine taken in by the mom. If you’re not drinking more than three cups, you should be OK.
AAP also notes that after five or more caffeinated drinks is when you may start to notice the baby getting fussy. However, people’s metabolisms process caffeine differently. Some people have a higher tolerance for it than others, and this can hold true for babies as well. It’s a good idea to pay attention to how much you drink and see if you notice any changes in your baby’s behavior based on your caffeine intake.
You should keep in mind that chocolate and soda also contain caffeine. Combining these items with your tea drinking will up your overall caffeine intake.
If you’re worried about getting too much caffeine through your tea, there are caffeine-free options for green tea. Some black teas also naturally contain less caffeine than green teas. Although even caffeine-free products still have small amounts of caffeine, it’ll be significantly less.
Some other low- to caffeine-free teas that are safe to drink while breast-feeding are:
- white tea
- chamomile tea
- ginger tea
- peppermint tea
- dandelion
- rose hips
One or two cups of tea aren’t likely to cause issues. For moms who really need a serious caffeine fix every now and again, it is doable. With a little planning, it’s OK to have that larger serving or extra cup. Pump enough milk to store in the refrigerator or freezer for your baby’s next feedings.
“If you feel as though you have consumed something unsafe for your baby, it’s best to ‘pump and dump’ for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can safely resume breast-feeding,” says Dr. Ross.
Pump and dump refers to pumping your milk supply and getting rid of it without feeding your baby. This way, you work through the milk that might have too much caffeine.
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Green Tea - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
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Last Revision: February 15, 2021.
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Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains caffeine, polyphenols (e.g., quercetin), and tannins. Fussiness, jitteriness and poor sleep patterns have been reported in the infants of mothers with very high caffeine intakes (see the LactMed record on caffeine for details). Giving tea directly to infants can interfere with iron absorption and cause anemia,[1] but anemia in breastfed infants has not been reported with maternal tea ingestion. Application of wet tea bags to the nipples has been studied as a method of reducing nipple pain during the first few days of nursing. Two small, moderately well-controlled studies found a positive effect of the tea bags, but warm water compresses were as at least as effective as tea bags.[2,3] No studies were found that examined the use of oral green tea extract, topical application of green tea extract to the nipples, or to the topical product Veregren applied to genital warts during breastfeeding. Topical products applied away from the breast should pose negligible risk for the breastfed infant. Green tea is reportedly used to increase milk supply by sme mothers in Turkey.[4]
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.
Drug Levels
Caffeine is excreted into breastmilk. Refer to the LactMed record on caffeine for details. Relevant published information on other components was not found as of the revision date.
Maternal Levels. Milk samples from 17 nursing mothers on uncontrolled diets were taken at 1, 4 and 13 weeks postpartum at times between 10 am and 1 pm. Average quercetin levels in breastmilk were 48 nmol/L at week 1, 60 nmol/L at week 4 and 51 nmol/L at week 13. Because of the uncontrolled diet and varying sampling times, the range of values among individuals was large.[5]
Quercetin was measured in the milk of 11 mothers after they received an onion soup that contained either 0.8 or 1 mg/kg of quercetin glucosides. A baseline milk sample was obtained after a 5-day low-quercetin diet, and 7 milk samples were obtained over the 48 hours following soup ingestion. Baseline total (from conjugated and unconjugated) quercetin in breastmilk averaged 45 nmol/L. An average peak milk quercetin level of 68 nmol/L was attained at an average of 11. 9 hours after the soup meal. The average half-life of quercetin in breastmilk was 50.3 hours.[6]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
Merhav H, Amitai Y, Palti H, et al. Tea drinking and microcytic anemia in infants. Am J Clin Nutr. 1985;41:1210–3. [PubMed: 4003328]
- 2.
Buchko BL, Pugh LC, Bishop BA, et al. Comfort measures in breastfeeding, primiparous women. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1994;23:46–52. [PubMed: 8176527]
- 3.
Lavergne NA. Does application of tea bags to sore nipples while breastfeeding provide effective relief? J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1997;26:53–8. [PubMed: 9017547]
- 4.
Kaygusuz M, Gümüştakım RŞ, Kuş C, et al. TCM use in pregnant women and nursing mothers: A study from Turkey. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;42:101300. [PubMed: 33412511]
- 5.
Song BJ, Jouni ZE, Ferruzzi MG. Assessment of phytochemical content in human milk during different stages of lactation. Nutrition. 2013;29:195–202. [PubMed: 23237648]
- 6.
Romaszko E, Wiczkowski W, Romaszko J, et al. Exposure of breastfed infants to quercetin after consumption of a single meal rich in quercetin by their mothers. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014;58:221–8. [PubMed: 23963751]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Green Tea
Scientific Name
Camellia sinensis
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Complementary Therapies
Food
Phytotherapy
Plants, Medicinal
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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Is it possible to drink tea while breastfeeding
- Benefits of tea during breastfeeding
- Which tea is better for breastfeeding: black or green?
- Which tea supplements can be used during lactation
- Other useful tea drinks during lactation
During the lactation period, a nursing woman is advised to carefully monitor the diet and exclude foods that can harm the baby from the daily menu. As a natural stimulant of milk production, mammologists recommend drinking tea. But before drinking such a drink, it is necessary to take into account its beneficial properties and decide how safe it will be for the child. nine0013
A nursing mother, in order to compensate for the lack of fluid in the body, should consume about two liters of water per day. It should be borne in mind that not all drinks can be useful during lactation. The most safe and hypoallergenic liquid is distilled water. In order not to go to extremes, it is recommended that a nursing mother drink drinks that have a positive effect on health and at the same time have a pleasant taste and aroma. This includes fermented milk drinks, juices made from natural ingredients, milk and teas. nine0013
It is known that tea itself does not contribute to the stimulation of the lactation process. The mechanism of action of this drink is the same as that of other hot liquids: after ingestion, hot tea improves the flow of milk to the mammary glands.
For a long time, pediatricians have limited the use of tea drink due to the presence of caffeine in it, which has a pronounced tonic effect. Today, such a categorical ban has been lifted. A cup of black or green tea can contain about 85 mg of caffeine, while the allowable dose for a person per day is about 1000 mg. Therefore, a couple of cups of tea drink a day should not harm the child. So in the diet of a nursing mother, different varieties of tea can be safely present. nine0020
If you drink tea while breastfeeding in moderation - no more than 2-3 cups a day, then there will be no harm to the baby. At the same time, it is recommended to give preference only to high-quality and natural drinks without artificial colors and impurities. It is better not to use tea in bags, but to buy tea leaves by weight. As an additional component, you can add milk, herbs, berries and fruits to the drink. To find out if a new tea is suitable for a nursing mother, it is recommended to drink a little freshly brewed drink 30 minutes before feeding the baby and then evaluate the reaction of the newborn's body. nine0013
Which tea is better for breastfeeding: black or green?
Since each person has their own taste preferences, it is recommended that a nursing mother drink the tea drink that she likes the most in terms of taste and effect. Black tea has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, but when consumed in moderation with milk, it relieves fatigue and has a calming effect. The tea leaves of black tea go through a fermentation process, and the longer it lasts, the better and nobler the taste of the tea drink will be, but at the same time it has a lower content of catechins. These substances are necessary for the baby, and for this reason, pediatricians advise giving preference to green tea. At the same time, opponents of the use of green tea note that it contains a large amount of caffeine, as in natural coffee. nine0013
Green tea relaxes the ducts of the mammary glands, but does not significantly affect lactation. As a natural drink, green tea contains such useful components:
- tannin - this substance improves the functioning of the digestive system, strengthens blood vessels and has an antimicrobial effect;
- organic acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that normalize the functioning of the nervous system and improve the condition of the body as a whole; nine0004
- bioflavonoids with a powerful antioxidant effect.
If the baby is too restless, doctors recommend giving preference to white tea, which undergoes very weak fermentation. Herbal, fruit and flower teas do not contain caffeine at all. A drink like South African rooibos has a minimal list of contraindications and a high content of vitamin C. It also contains beneficial minerals that ease and soothe the work of the gastrointestinal tract in disorders and treat heartburn. In addition, this tea reduces the manifestations of an allergic reaction and strengthens the entire body. The main rule when choosing such a drink is to make sure that the composition of the tea does not contain harmful impurities and components. nine0013
The baby can become capricious and too irritable even against the background of drinking green tea: he may have problems sleeping. If such a reaction is observed, then it is also better to refuse to use green tea. Replace green tea with black tea with less caffeine. There is nothing wrong with a nursing mother drinking even more than one or two cups of tea a day, as long as it does not negatively affect the baby. Since everyone is different, many breastfeeding mothers can drink any drink with safe additives without any problems associated with the deterioration of the baby's well-being. nine0013
Which tea supplements can be used during lactation
The child begins to receive the protection of the mother's immunity even in the process of intrauterine development. It is possible to provide him with reliable protection against various infections after birth with the help of regular tea consumption. For this, ordinary black tea with condensed milk is suitable.
Herbal supplements in the form of lemon balm are also suitable, as a good remedy for relieving intestinal colic and normalizing peristalsis: lemon balm tea will improve bowel function and reduce pain symptoms. Chamomile tea is simply indispensable for breastfeeding, when the baby has the first signs of a cold. As a natural antiseptic, chamomile has an antimicrobial effect no worse than any expensive drug. The advantage of this drink is the safety of chamomile tea for the child's body and the ability to bring down the temperature, as well as remove pain in the event of an inflammatory process. nine0013
Lemon tea also has a protective and regenerating property, serves as a good natural antibiotic and stimulant of the immune system. But during breastfeeding, drinking such tea should be done with caution and make sure that the baby does not have an allergic reaction. To understand whether it is possible to drink tea with lemon during lactation, you need to drink about a quarter cup of a tea drink and observe the reaction of the baby's body during the day. Normally, no redness, rashes should appear on the child's body, and there should also be no changes in behavior. If all is well, it will be possible to increase the intake of lemon tea to 2 or 3 cups per day. nine0013
Replace lemon tea with bergamot tea. Tea with bergamot during lactation has a preventive effect and protects the newborn baby from viral infections. Such a tea drink can be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother from the first days of a child's life and not be afraid that it will cause the development of allergies or dysbacteriosis.
Thyme tea has a calming effect, which is ideal for teething in a baby or if he is worried about prickly heat. Thyme tea has an anti-inflammatory, sedative and beneficial effect on the digestive system. The drink relaxes the body and reduces pain. nine0013
Other healthy tea drinks during lactation
While breastfeeding, a breastfeeding mother can also try Chamomile Flower Premium Tea. This drink promotes good digestion, treats constipation and diarrhea, and reduces gas formation. Chamomile tea saturates the body with the necessary amount of fluid and helps in the treatment of peptic ulcer or colitis. Chamomile flowers contain a large number of useful substances: polysaccharides, vitamins, organic acids, minerals. nine0013
Chamomile tea helps with colds, well relieving the feeling of itching and sore throat. Even small children can treat a cough with chamomile. The addition of a slice of lemon or honey helps to enhance the therapeutic effect of the drink. Chamomile tea tidies up the nervous system and relieves gastrointestinal problems associated with stress.
Ginger matcha tea also has medicinal properties. It is suitable for a nursing mother as a substitute for regular coffee or tea, as it does not contain caffeine. Ginger drink has a characteristic taste and can be prepared with milk or water. Such tea has an antibacterial effect, helps with colds and strengthens the immune system, quenches thirst well and gives a charge of vivacity for the whole day. nine0013
Another useful tea drink is lavender flowers, which has a pronounced antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. Lavender drink has a delicate oily taste and persistent aroma, and also contains an aftertaste with light herbaceous notes. This tea goes well with honey and a slice of lemon. This plant is often used in medicine for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and problems with the nervous system. Lavender infusion has a deep emotional relaxation, improves tone and has an antiseptic effect. It is brewed at the rate of 3 g of tea leaves per 120 ml of water with a temperature of 80-95 degrees.
Tea called Ku Qiao Mei, or as it is also called Tatar buckwheat, has a sweetish taste and an appetizing aroma of vanilla cookies. The color of the tea drink is bright yellow and it is rich in vitamins P, E, C, group B. Rutin, which is contained in the Tatar buckwheat plant, helps strengthen immunity, regulates blood pressure, strengthens capillary walls and improves blood microcirculation. Such tea should be brewed with purified water at a temperature of 95 degrees at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water. nine0013
It is recommended to buy tea for a nursing mother only of high quality in the form of tea leaves and without the addition of flavors or other chemical components. Each tea drink has its own secrets of brewing, which must be observed in order to maximize the disclosure of its beneficial properties.
Before giving preference to any drink, it is advisable to make sure that the child does not have an allergic reaction to it. Black tea can only be brewed once, while green tea can be reused. Nursing mothers are not recommended to drink tea drinks that can lower blood pressure. nine0013
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Green tea while breastfeeding: is it possible to drink, reviews
complain
Updated
Content:
Is it possible to drink green tea for nursing mothers
Proper introduction to the diet
Useful properties of the drink
Contraindications for consumption
Green in the period It is better not to drink without consulting a doctor. It is especially worth paying attention to teas with additives: milk oolong can cause allergies, if you like tea with mint, choose only its curly variety. The thing is that tea contains caffeine, which can excite the nervous system of the baby: the child may become too active, irritable, sleep may be disturbed. nine0013
Can breastfeeding mothers drink green tea
If in the process of gestation you liked to indulge in green gulls, while there were no unpleasant sensations, then after the appearance of the baby you should not refuse the drink. However, it is worth observing the measure, excess consumption is not useful. An increase in the volume of fluid (over two liters per day) increases the load on the kidneys, can lead to moisture retention in the tissues, and swelling.
nine0012 Mothers who refused tonic drinks during the gestation period should carefully start drinking green tea. In the first month, the drink should be completely abandoned. Especially if there is a risk of postpartum bleeding - tea has the ability to lower blood clotting. It is better not to use a tonic drink until the third month of feeding.The effect of tea on a child is due to the presence of theine, a mild analog of caffeine. 0.6–1.5% of theine enters mother's milk, the maximum concentration is observed within 60 minutes after drinking the drink. A woman can drink no more than three cups of tea a day, then a harmless dose will be transmitted to the baby. nine0013
An excess of theine causes:
- sleep problems, especially during the day;
- confusion between daylight and darkness;
- restlessness and moodiness.
Tannin, which is part of the tea, can provoke spasmodic phenomena in the gastrointestinal tract of the baby, lead to a decrease in appetite and impaired digestion of food.
Abuse of tonic drinks also affects the mother's condition - leads to insomnia, increases irritability and anxiety. nine0013
Proper introduction to the diet
When trying green tea while breastfeeding for the first time, avoid strong brewing and drink only a couple of sips. If there are no changes in the condition of the crumbs, the rate can be increased by drinking no more than 200 ml of the drink at a time. Daily maximum - no more than 500 ml. Buy only high-quality loose loose tea with light leaves. It should be stored in a hermetically sealed container and transferred to the teapot with a clean, dry spoon. The consumption of stale drink is not allowed. nine0013
Tea is brewed in the proportion of 250 ml of boiling water per half of a small teaspoon. The first water is immediately poured out and a new portion is poured. This will help remove some of the tonic, tannic components, get rid of dust. You can drink when the leaves open - about five minutes after pouring boiling water. It is not recommended to interrupt the tea ceremony for a long time: if the tea is in contact with air for at least a minute, it oxidizes and loses its valuable properties.
nine0107The interaction of tea with additives should also be considered.
- With milk. A useful option for women who have lost a lot of weight, feel weak, and who quickly get tired after the birth process. Boiled low-fat milk should be added. It is undesirable to use if the mother or close relatives have an allergy to milk protein.
- With lemon. Bright fruits have many useful properties, but an abundance of vitamin C is especially important. This substance strengthens the immune system and prevents the occurrence of colds in a nursing mother. It is not recommended to drink tea with lemon in the first 45 days of feeding, since tannins can negatively affect the fragile digestive system of the crumbs, causing a violation of the stool and abdominal pain. Do not drink lemon tea and are allergic to citrus fruits. nine0004
- With jasmine. Petals give the drink an exquisite taste and a sedative effect. But an unusual aftertaste is transmitted to mother's milk, which can cause the crumbs to refuse breasts. While breastfeeding, jasmine tea is not recommended, especially since most of the products offered use flavorings. If you can find natural jasmine, you can try a sip of tea and follow the reaction.
- With honey. Useful for colds, hypothermia or sore throat. Honey tea relieves stress, inhibits inflammation and promotes the absorption of calcium. It is forbidden to drink a drink with a reactive response of the body to beekeeping products. nine0004
- With lemon balm. This healing herb helps to strengthen the nervous system and relieve tension. Penetrating into mother's milk, the active ingredients have a sedative effect on the child, which is useful for restless babies. But the taste of the medicinal plant is also quite bright. Try taking a couple of sips of tea. If the baby perfectly tolerated feeding, then lemon balm does not harm him.
If, after drinking tea and breastfeeding, the baby becomes restless, capricious, does not want to fall asleep, or irritation appears on his skin, exclude the drink from the menu. nine0013
Useful properties of the drink
The components of green tea do not affect the amount of mother's milk, the drink enhances lactation to the same extent as any other warm drink. An invigorating drink has other properties that are useful for a young mother. Namely:
- increases the efficiency of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
- has a positive effect on memory and intelligence;
nine0003 helps prevent cancer, atherosclerosis, hypertension, inflammatory processes;- improves the functioning of the liver and excretory system;
- helps to normalize weight due to the acceleration of metabolism;
- accelerates oxygen exchange between cells;
- reduces the risk of caries, strengthens gum tissue.
The drink has a mild diuretic property, helps to remove excess fluid and toxic substances, relieve swelling. nine0013
Contraindications for use
Green tea while breastfeeding can cause the baby to become hyperexcitable and unable to sleep. To minimize exposure to theine, the mother should follow the rules for the consumption of the drink:
- Drink tea before dinner.
- Have a tea party after feeding so that some of the theine is eliminated from the body before the next application.
nine0003 Do not brew tea too strong.- Do not add white sugar.
- Do not drink more than 500 ml per day.
General contraindications to the use of the drink should also be taken into account. It is not drunk with hypotension, diseases of the excretory system and digestive tract. Carefully it is necessary to treat tea to nervous, easily excitable people.
The use of questionable tea bags with artificial flavors is strictly prohibited. Such a product can provoke a negative reaction in the baby - rashes, diathesis or intestinal upset. nine0013
Green tea will bring significant benefits to a nursing mother, saturating her body with the necessary vitamins and microelements.