Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Tea? Is Tea safe for nursing mother and child? Does Tea extracts into breast milk? Does Tea has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Tea influence milk supply or can Tea decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Tea lactation summary

Tea usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Tea is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Tea may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Tea may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Tea low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Tea We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Tea usage in lactation

Leaves are used. Components are xanthines like caffeine (50 a 80 mg per cup of black tea, half this amount for green tea and less for white tea), theophylline, theobromine; tannins, flavonoids (quercetin) Attributed properties: Psycho-stimulant, vasoconstrictor, diuretic, bronchodilator. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Data on excretion in the milk is available since caffeine and quercetin were measured into the breast milk after consumption of tea. There is not scientific proof on its effectiveness as a galactagogue ( increment of milk production) nor any anti-oxidant property was found in the milk. The use of tea bags was not found to be more effective for nipple pain relief than other methods for local use (hot compresses, breast milk, creams) Because a high caffeine consumption as that of 4 to 5 cups of tea a day (> 300 mg of caffeine) may induce nervousness and irritability in the infant. It is recommended a minimal consumption of tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding since contamination with lead has frequently been found, as well as other toxins like cadmium, aluminum, magnesium and brominated substances (PBDE), along with liver failure after consumption of green tea with slimming purposes..

Alternate Drugs for Diets, foods, nutrients and food supplements. ATC V06

Cannabis(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Artichoke(Safe)
Kelp-Seaweed(Unsafe)
Amaranth(Safe)
Maple(Safe)
Coffee(Low Risk)
Onion(Safe)
Chitosan(Safe)
Flavonoid(Safe)
Goji Berries(Low Risk)
Kefir(Safe)
Kombucha(Unsafe)
Strawberry Tree(Low Risk)
Mate(Safe)
Propolis(Low Risk)
Quinoa(Safe)
Silanol(Low Risk)
Grapevine(Safe)
Airborne(Unsafe)
Chia(Safe)
Hemp(Low Risk)
Jujube(Safe)
Brazil Nut(Low Risk)
Cannabis sativa(Low Risk)
Hashish(Low Risk)
Marihuana(Low Risk)
Marijuana(Low Risk)
Bee glue(Low Risk)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.