Green tea is a popular drink that has many health benefits. It is thought to help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. But can you drink green tea while breastfeeding? And are there any risks involved?
In this guide, we will discuss the benefits and risks of drinking green tea while breastfeeding. We will also provide some tips on how to make sure that you get the most out of this healthy drink!
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is different from black tea, which is made from the same plant but has been fermented.
Green tea is unfermented and contains high levels of antioxidants, which are thought to promote health.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Green Tea?
Green tea is a popular drink that offers a variety of potential health benefits. Some of the key benefits associated with green tea include weight loss, improved brain function, and cancer prevention.
Additionally, green tea is also high in antioxidants, which can help improve overall health. If you are looking for a healthy drink option, green tea is a great choice.
Is It Safe to Drink Green Tea While Breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe to drink green tea (in moderation) while breastfeeding. In fact, green tea is considered to be a healthy beverage for nursing mothers. It contains antioxidants and other nutrients that are beneficial for both mother and baby.
However, it is important to note that some women may experience adverse effects from drinking green tea while breastfeeding. These can include:
- Irritability or fussiness in baby
- Decreased milk production
- Gas and diarrhea in baby
It’s important to remember that not all green teas are the same. Some varieties contain more caffeine than others, so you’ll want to choose a low-caffeine green tea if you’re worried about it affecting your baby.
How Much Green Tea Can You Drink While Breastfeeding?
There is limited research on the safety of drinking green tea while breastfeeding, but most experts agree that it is safe to drink in moderate amounts. Green tea contains caffeine, which can be passed to the baby through breast milk. However, the caffeine content of green tea is lower than that of coffee or black tea.
In general, it is safe to drink moderate amounts of green tea while breastfeeding (no more than 2-3 cups per day). Exceeding three cups could potentially cause problems for your baby, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Green Tea While Breastfeeding?
There are many benefits to consuming green tea for breastfeeding mothers. Some of the key benefits include:
-Green tea is a natural source of antioxidants, which can help protect your baby from harmful toxins.
-The caffeine in green tea can help improve energy levels and mood (though this can make baby irritated and disturb their sleep).
-The nutrients in green tea can help boost your baby’s immune system.
-Green tea can help promote weight loss, if you are trying to lose weight after giving birth.
If you consume green tea, it might be best to drink decaffeinated green tea rather than plain green tea as too much caffeine intake is bad for you and baby.
How Can I Make Sure I Get the Most Out of Drinking Green Tea While Breastfeeding?
Here are a few tips on how to make sure you get the most out of drinking green tea while breastfeeding:
-Make sure to drink pure, unsweetened green tea. Some bottled green tea brands add sugar or other sweeteners, which can cancel out the health benefits.
-Brew your tea using loose leaves, rather than tea bags. This will allow you to get the most antioxidants and nutrients from the tea.
-Add a slice of lemon or ginger to your tea for added flavor. Lemon and ginger are both known to be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Side Effects of Green Tea on Lactating Mothers
- Green tea may reduce milk production.
- Additionally, green tea may cause diarrhea and constipation in some people.
- Lower iron levels in breast milk
- Interference with medications taken by breastfeeding mothers
- Gastrointestinal upset in the infant
Does Green Tea Reduce Breast Milk?
There is some research that suggests that drinking green tea can reduce the amount of breast milk a woman produces. Drinking tea can inhibit iron absorption and cause anaemia in the mother. Being anaemic can reduce the amount of breast milk a woman produces.
If you are breastfeeding and want to drink green tea, try drinking it after you have nursed or pump, rather than drinking it while you are nursing. Pumping will still allow your body to produce milk, but won’t reduce the amount as much as if you were to drink it
Research indicates that mothers drinking tea does not affect babies’ iron supply!
What Happens If Green Tea Is Consumed in Excess?
Excess consumption can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause heartburn and stomach upset. In rare cases, excessive green tea consumption can even lead to liver damage.
For breastfeeding moms, excess green tea can decrease milk production. So, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than two cups per day.
So, if you’re like most people and enjoy a cup of green tea every now and then, go ahead and indulge, but keep it to 1-2 cups per day!
Is Decaf Green Tea Safe?
Yes, you can get the benefits of tea drinking regular green tea with less caffeine so it is a healthy alternative. Caffeine elimination is better for the nursing mother as green teas and more caffeine and adversely affect your baby.
Are Green Tea Pills A Good Option?
Some people say that green tea pills are a great way to get the health benefits of green tea, while others say that they’re not really necessary and that you can just drink green tea instead. So, which is the truth?
Well, it really depends on your own personal preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of taking green tea pills. If you want to cut down your caffeine intake then they can help you to get the same health benefits as drinking green tea, but in a more convenient form.
Does green tea increase milk supply?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that taking green tea will increase milk supply. In fact, drinking green tea while breastfeeding may even have a negative effect on milk production.
There are other beverages that may help boost milk supply including coconut water, oat milk, and almond milk. If you are looking for a drink to help increase your milk supply, try one of these options instead of green tea and maybe add in some yummy lactation cookies.
Take Away on Drinking Green for Nursing Mothers
Green tea is considered safe in small amounts. If you accidentally consume too much it make interfere with your iron absorption and can interfere with certain medications. As long as you don’t breach the upper limit, it’s a lovely relaxing drink to stay hydrated! For more information on foods to avoid in breastfeeding read our detailed guide.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.
