During and after the first six months after delivery, women’s bodies go through hormonal changes. This, along with a number of other conditions, might reduce milk production and make it difficult to meet the baby’s needs. As a breastfeeding mother, you want to ensure your baby gets enough nutrients and calories to grow normally. However, if your milk supply is low, you can consume lactation tea (also known as breastfeeding tea) to boost milk production.
(Please visit your doctor to know if lactation tea will be good for your health)
What is lactation/breastfeeding tea?
Lactation tea is an easy and efficient approach to enhance your milk supply. The herbs in the tea assist your body to produce more milk, allowing you to return to work, alter schedules, and manage stress more efficiently. Breastfeeding tea is an excellent alternative to lactation supplements because they are easier to use, less expensive, and, of course, quite effective.
Do I need breastfeeding tea?
The more the infant nurses, the more milk the mother’s body produces to replace the lost milk. If your milk production appears to be low, and you use a pump, but you’re not pumping as much as you used to, it’s possible that your baby doesn’t require as much as she formerly did. So, check your infant for symptoms preventing him/her from getting enough milk if you are exclusively breastfeeding. Reluctance to nurse, insufficient wet or soiled diapers, dehydration, and long-term inadequate weight gain are among the indications. If you see all of these indicators, it suggests your baby needs more milk, and your milk supply is running low. As a result, you may need to improve your milk supply, and taking lactation tea is one efficient method.
What is lactation/breastfeeding tea made of?
Galactagogues are herbs that are commonly found in lactation tea. Other herbs, including hibiscus, rooibos, and mint, may be added to improve the flavor. The following are some of the most frequent galactagogues:
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- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) may promote milk production.
- Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) has been shown to increase blood flow to the mammary glands.
- Torbangun leaves (Coleus amboinicus Lour) may increase secretory mammary cell growth.
- Polysaccharides in barley (Hordeum vulgare) promote prolactin production.
- Galegin, a predecessor to metformin, is present in goat’s rue (Galega officinalis). It is believed to promote mammary development.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is said to promote breast development. It may also help with the letdown reflex and boost breast milk production.
- Malunggay or drumstick (Moringa oleifera) increases prolactin.
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum) includes anethole, a mildly estrogenic compound. Anise contains an aromatic molecule that may act as a dopamine antagonist.
Many of these herbs have additional health advantages and you may use them after pregnancy in low dosages. However, make sure you know how much tea to take and follow the directions on the container. If you purchase your tea from a certified herbal or medical professional, make sure to follow their dosage recommendations.
Do lactation teas really work?
Herbs for lactation support have been utilized by moms all over the world for ages. The herbs are usually turned into a drink for nursing moms. Herbs include substances that have an effect on our bodies when we eat them. Mint may help soothe an upset stomach, while ginger fights bacteria and improves blood circulation. Botanical galactagogues are herbs that aid in the production of milk. In research comparing a lactation tea to a placebo, mothers who drank the galactagogue tea produced more breast milk three days after starting it. Compared to the other infants in the trial, the lactation tea group had a reduced maximum weight loss. They also regained their birth weight more quickly than the rest of the group.
What are the side effects of lactation tea?
Fenugreek (one of the star herbs used in breastfeeding tea) can produce stomach distress, loose stools, lightheadedness, and a maple-like odor in the urine and sweat. A modest allergic reaction is usually to blame for these symptoms. Herbs are potent and you can use them in a variety of ways. In fact, taking too much of any plant might lead to complications. However, if you wish to take lactation tea, there are no risks if you drink it as recommended.
Conclusion
In most cases, a mother’s milk supply is sufficient to feed her child provided that you take the right meals. And because milk volume depends on supply and demand, increasing feeding is a quick and simple solution to a low milk supply. If you discover your baby isn’t receiving enough milk and increasing feeding times isn’t working, try lactation assistance in the form of herbal teas. To provide you the added assistance for optimal milk supply, you can buy a preferred blend or prepare your own. Because several herbs used in tea for nursing women have different effects on the body, it’s advisable to start drinking it soon after birth.
