Breastfeeding Tea
Most brands of breastfeeding tea are designed to help you increase your breast milk supply if you are having difficulty with production. (Some are made to help you dry up after weaning.) This herb based tea is most helpful for breastfeeding moms who pump while at work or pump exclusively since the pump is not as efficient in getting enough milk out as a nursing baby.
Breastfeeding tea is comprised of herbs known to increase prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production. Some of them work by other means. These herbs are referred to as galactagogues, meaning they increase breastmilk.
For breastfeeding tea to work, you need to drink large quantities of it. Many of the teas contain fenugreek, an herb that smells like maple syrup. Moms often notice that their sweat smells like maple syrup when taking it. Moms report drinking at least 3 cups a day to notice a change. Teas are usually weaker forms of herbs compared to capsule form. Keep this in mind when you purchase breastfeeding tea from a health store (such as Mother’s Milk Tea) and other varieties on the Internet. You can also buy capsules and even tinctures which are stronger than tea and don’t require sipping but can be quickly swallowed down and chased with another drink (in case you find the flavor of the herbs unpleasant!). Depending on the tea, you may see an increase in your supply in as little as 24 hours but most moms see a gradual increase over the course of a week.
As always, herbal teas are not FDA approved and can have adverse side effects, although most of the herbs used in breastfeeding teas are quite harmless in the amounts recommended. If you notice any side effects from the tea in yourself or your baby, discontinue its use immediately. The safest way to increase your milk supply is simply to nurse the baby more frequently.
Breastfeeding Tea:
Tags: Breastfeeding Products, herbs, milk supply
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