 Nov.
1, 2000 - Could that relaxing cup of herbal tea be harmful to your
breastfeeding baby, or even decrease your milk supply? Researchers
aren’t exactly sure, which is why nursing moms should drink herbal
teas with caution, according to Ruth Lawrence M.D., professor of
pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester
and Breastfeeding.com medical advisory board member. Dr. Lawrence
spoke at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting in Chicago
earlier this week.
While some herbs are perfectly safe for nursing mothers, others may be
toxic and have hidden dangers – which is why nursing moms should
read the ingredients of herbal teas carefully, according to Dr.
Lawrence. Nursing moms should be aware that the younger the baby and
the more milk they consume, the greater the potential risk.
"Many people have abandoned coffee because they know something
about the problems with caffeine, and have – without benefit of
knowledge – gone to herbal teas, the constituents of which they know
nothing," Lawrence was reported saying by Reuters Health.
Researchers just don’t know how much of some herbal compounds are
passed on to a breastfeeding infant. While many herbs are safe for
nursing moms, such as rose hip, ginger, orange spice, evening primrose
and mint, others may be unsafe. Fennel, a diuretic and borage, a pain
reliever, and comfrey leaf, which may lead to liver disease, may not
be safe for nursing moms. According to Dr. Lawrence, the herb sage has
been found to decrease supply, although a modest amount of sage in
prepared foods should be safe for nursing moms.
While fenugreek is a popular herb used by nursing mothers to increase
milk supply, Dr. Lawrence cautioned that the herb does lower blood
sugar, and it is passed on to the infant. Dr. Lawrence suggested that
women contact their pediatricians if they are having problems with
milk supply, and usually a little fenugreek would be fine to take.
Dr. Lawrence also cautioned against taking over-the-counter cold
remedies, as they can decrease milk supplies.
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