Are you a tea person? Do you love waking up in the morning to sip a cup of hot tea just before you start your day? Are you an expecting mom that finds sipping a cup of herbal tea a good way to relieve those pregnancy symptoms? Or are you a new mom and wondering whether it’s still safe to have your favorite tea while you breastfeed your little baby? Well, then you are on the right page.
Nutrition is extremely important during pregnancy. It plays a significant role in the reproduction, growth, and development of the fetus inside the womb. That’s why expecting mothers should be knowledgeable enough of certain nutrients and their effects on their unborn baby. When it comes to nutrition, some mothers and expecting ones may wonder how safe it is to take herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Benefits of herbal teas and what Are safe?
Drinking tea is a good way to keep our bodies hydrated most of them are known to provide amazing health benefits.
Drinking herbal teas during pregnancy can make you feel warm during the cold days. It contains nutrients and antioxidants that can make you feel warm as if your body is being comforted from the inside. Having a few cups a day can make you feel relaxed and calm.
Breastfeeding moms may benefit from drinking herbal teas as some of them may increase milk production. People centuries ago started to use herbs to help women produce more breast milk. Different combinations of plants have been used to keep women relaxed and some of these plants and herbs can even stimulate and aid in breastmilk production.
However, not all herbal teas are proven to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important for mothers to choose teas that are safe for them including fruits and herbs that we would usually use in cooking. It is also not advisable to make your own tea from plants you’ve picked from if you are pregnant or lactating.
Read also:Â Dairy-Free Lactation Cookies for New Breastfeeding Mother
Recommended herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding
What are herbal teas made from? They are made from the roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, and leaves of various plants. Herbal teas are naturally free from caffeine and considered to have medicinal properties.
There are many kinds of herbal teas that can provide superb benefits for expectant mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These include the following:
1. Red raspberry leaf tea
This herbal tea is rich in fragine and tannins which can make the uterus strong and ready for birth. Also rich in iron, red raspberry leaf tea helps to promote better milk production, soothes nausea, and decreases pain brought by menstrual cramps. However, if you have a history of miscarriage, drinking raspberry leaf tea should be avoided during the first trimester.Â
2. Nettle tea
Nettle tea is bursting with Vitamins A, C, and K as well as contains iron and potassium, which are important nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is loaded with chlorophyll that mimics the most important component of blood, hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting iron throughout the body. Drinking nettle tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding can increase your energy levels and strength.
3. Fennel tea
Cramping and bloating are common during and after pregnancy. Consuming a couple of cups of fennel tea a day can aid in the digestive system as well as alleviate water retention so the body can facilitate a healthy and abundant supply of breast milk for lactating mothers.
4. Blessed thistle tea
This tonic tea is ideal for new mothers contains a galactagogue mechanism, which helps promote increased milk production and healthy lactation for nursing moms.
5. Ginger tea
Ginger has been the most common herbal tea. It has warm and soothing properties. It is known to aid in digestion as well as an effective relief for pregnant women, reduces nausea and morning sickness.
6. Fenugreek tea
Fenugreek has been supporting breastfeeding women for centuries. Until now it is still the most recommended tea for breastfeeding moms because of its properties that enhance the supply of breast milk. Most women love its sweet, rich taste making it a good addition to their daily pregnancy diet.
Read also:Â How to Increase Breast Milk Production?
Herbal teas which are not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Heads up, mommies. Not all herbal teas are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Here are some of them.
- Liquorice Original
- Sage Tea
- Oregano Tea
- Peppermint Tea (if consumed excessively)
- Ginseng Tea
- Aloe Tea
Final thoughts
If you really want to continue having your favorite herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding, just make sure you consult with your doctor before trying any herbal tea. Take time to check whether the herbal tea you choose is caffeine-free or not. Always examine the ingredients of the herbal, especially when you buy from supermarkets as some of them may contain allergens.
Have a wonderful pregnancy journey and enjoyable breastfeeding, mommies!
Read also:
- Is it Safe to Eat Garlic while Breastfeeding?
- Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy: is it Safe to Consume?
- Breastfeeding: How Can You Care and Support Your Breasts While Breastfeeding?
