drinking sleepytime tea while breastfeeding

There is a suggestion it could stimulate the uterus or lead to circulation problems in your baby. It contains caffeine, so you should limit how much you drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Ĭhamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bed may relax you, but again, avoid drinking large quantities. Green tea: Green tea isn't a true herbal tea. It should be safe in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ginger tea: Ginger can help relieve nausea. It should be safe in pregnancy, but some studies have shown it can stimulate contractions so it’s a good idea to be cautious during the first trimester. Red raspberry leaf tea: Some women drink raspberry tea during the last trimester to help them prepare for the birth. Studies have shown it doesn’t harm the mother or baby, although you should avoid very large amounts and avoid in the first trimester because it can promote menstruation. Peppermint tea: Peppermint is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in pregnancy. Large amounts of some herbs may possibly start contractions and increase your risk of preterm labour, or they may affect your baby. Never make your own herbal tea from plants you've collected while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Which herbal teas to choose during pregnancy and breastfeedingĪs a general rule, choose teas that are made from fruits and herbs you would use in cooking. It's always a good idea to check before you take any herbs while you're breastfeeding, especially if you are also taking prescription medicine. If you notice anything that worries you, talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse. If you're breastfeeding, keep an eye on your baby for any unusual side effects. Don't drink the same herbal tea continually throughout your pregnancy.

Different teas contain different ingredients, so mixing up the flavours and drinking different types of tea on different days will limit the substances that your baby is exposed to. The best advice is to only drink 1 or 2 cups of herbal tea a day. Drinking herbal tea safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding They can be bought from supermarkets and health food stores. Unlike black or green tea, they don’t contain caffeine. Herbal teas are made from the roots, berries, flowers, seeds, and leaves of plants.

Some teas are prepared especially for pregnancy, and claim to help with complications like pre-eclampsia and prepare your body for labour. Some teas claim to soothe an upset tummy, calm you down if you have anxiety, prepare your uterus for labour, or help you sleep. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor and midwife before you take any natural therapy, including herbal teas. The herbal teas that are considered unsafe are those that are not made commercially, those made with excessive amounts of herbs (amounts larger than those found in common foods or drinks), and those made with herbs that are known to be toxic. Most commercial brands of herbal teas are thought to be safe for anyone to consume in reasonable amounts. There are mixed opinions on the safety of herbal teas, for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Like other complementary medicines, herbal teas are not studied scientifically like other medicines and they aren't regulated in Australia, so it’s good to use them with caution. These ingredients may pass on to your baby, or they may interfere with other medicines you are taking. The amounts of substances they contain may vary, and they may also contain ingredients that aren’t listed on the label. Are herbal teas safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?Įven though herbal teas contain natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe. Some herbal teas are safe to drink while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as long as you limit it to 1 or 2 cups a day and check with your doctor or midwife first. Many women choose to drink herbal tea to help with annoying symptoms when they're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drinking sleepytime tea while breastfeeding