5 Teas Suitable for Breastfeeding and Their Health Benefits

When breastfeeding, you should take into account that everything you ingest will directly affect your baby through your breast milk. If you're a tea lover, it's worth knowing which infusions are suitable for breastfeeding and the benefits they bring to your health.
5 Teas Suitable for Breastfeeding and Their Health Benefits

Last update: 22 December, 2018

It’s essential to know about herbal teas suitable for breastfeeding, since water consumption during this stage, as well as during pregnancy, is very important. It’s fundamental for expectant mothers to stay hydrated.

As you already know, being properly hydrated helps your vital functions develop correctly. For some women, drinking water is a challenge. This becomes evident when the placenta’s volume increases, which puts pressure on the bladder.

A different way of drinking water is through herbal teas. Are you interested in knowing which ones are the most recommendable for this stage?

Teas suitable for breastfeeding and their advantages

As a nursing mother, you shouldn’t exceed your tea consumption. Don’t let tea bags sit too long in your cup, as this intensifies their content.

Below we’ve listed several teas suitable for breastfeeding, along with their health benefits:

Thyme tea

This plant has beneficial properties for the digestive system. It fights intestinal spasms, flatulence and abdominal pain. It also promotes digestion and is recommended for healing ulcers and wounds.

Since it’s rich in iron, it’s excellent for treating anemia-related problems. Thyme tea acts as a relaxant and is perfect for inducing sleep. It also activates blood circulation, so it strengthens your memory and reduces headaches.

To make thyme tea for yourself, you just have to place a teaspoon of dried thyme in a cup. Then, add boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you don’t like the taste, you can sweeten it with honey and a few drops of lemon juice.

Rosehip tea

This tea is great for lactation thanks to its contribution of vitamins C, B1, B2, and K. It’s ideal for the treatment of influenza, colds, and febrile symptoms that may occur during pregnancy or lactation. It also has astringent qualities, so it’s recommended for treating diarrhea.

The infusion of rosehip or rose haw, as it’s also called, is very easy to prepare. Place fresh or dried rosehips in a cup of boiling water. Then, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 4 minutes. You’ll have to strain before consuming it.

Ginger tea

If you get a cold while you’re breastfeeding, you can prepare an infusion of honey and ginger. Ginger helps fight respiratory disorders, including coughs. Moreover, honey relieves throat pain and flu-like symptoms.

5 Teas Suitable for Breastfeeding and Their Health Benefits

The mixture of these two ingredients stimulates milk production. For that simple but elementary reason, it becomes an ally that stimulates breastfeeding.

To prepare it, first boil 4 cups of water. Then, a dd a bit of chopped ginger, which should simmer for at least 20 minutes. After this, strain and add the juice from half a lemon, plus the honey.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is a classic among herbal infusions. It’s great for any time of day and is often used as a sedative to calm nerves.

It also favors digestion, reduces headaches, and acts as a diuretic. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile – provided it’s ingested in moderation – doesn’t pose a risk to lactation due to its low toxicity.

Melissa tea

The melissa herb is widely used for the treatment of childhood colics. Moderately consumed, it can fight problems regarding flatulence, anxiety, insomnia, and abdominal pain.

The melissa leaf is a source of flavonoids and tannins, which are quite useful for diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

“Being properly hydrated helps your vital functions develop correctly. However, drinking water is a challenge for some women.”

Teas according to a mother’s needs

In addition to the classic alternatives mentioned above, you can enjoy these teas suitable for breastfeeding according to your requirements:

Relaxing teas

To release tension and nervousness, you can consume valerian, lime, or hops infusions. These can be safely consumed during the lactation period as they don’t pose any kinds of health threats.

Energizing teas

Rosemary and sage teas can greatly help you recover the energy needed for the baby’s daily care.

5 Teas Suitable for Breastfeeding and Their Health Benefits

Teas for digestive problems

The anti-inflammatory properties that licorice offers are perfect for reducing the excessive production of gastric juices. Licorice tea helps improve inflammation and stomach ulcers.

As for teas that aid in weight loss, plants such as horsetail, green tea, guarana, or pineapple stalk have diuretic properties that help you lose weight. These types of infusions allow you to eliminate toxins and accelerate your metabolism, helping you burn calories quickly.

With all this information, you can make space in your daily diet without worrying. Enjoy any of these rich teas that are suitable for breastfeeding. You’ll love them!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.