Green tea and breastfeeding

Pregnant girl drinking tea

There are many women who like green tea and also drink it every day. There are people who say that it is healthier than coffee and also that it also awakens and feels good for the body.

Green tea is praised by many for its health benefits and it is considered one of the healthiest teas you can drink today. Although it is safe in small amounts, there are other options to stay hydrated during the time you are breastfeeding your baby.

Infusion of green tea and breastfeeding

Water is undoubtedly the best source of hydration when you are breastfeeding your baby, it is normal that from time to time you want to vary a little. Green tea may seem like a healthy alternative since in addition to being full of antioxidants you can enjoy it both hot and ice cream, it also has many benefits for your health such as: protects against cancer, helps you control cholesterol levels and regulate digestion.

(In return, in addition to caffeine, green teas may contain additives that may not be safe for women while breastfeeding) Updated information: the scientific web of compatibility breastfeeding / medicines e-lactancy.org, "Doses higher than 300 mg per day of caffeine (contained in drinks such as coffee, tea and others) can cause nervousness and irritability to the infant". The equivalent would be about 3 cups or more a day, although other factors such as the half-life of the substance in the body must also be taken into account. In any case, e-lactation classifies caffeine as "probable low risk."

Consuming green tea while breastfeeding

Girl drinking tea while breastfeeding

Updated information: It is not true that green tea is related to the production of breast milk.

How Much Green Tea Is Safe While Breastfeeding?

We refer to the information set out above, since this response from the AEP Breastfeeding Committee:

Indeed, the caffeine contained in coffee and cola drinks passes into breast milk, but only at high doses (if the mother ingests three cups or more of coffee a day) does the baby produce insomnia or irritability; some infants are more sensitive, and with less doses they already have symptoms. The amount you take does not seem excessive at first.

Green tea in lactation

Drink green tea when breastfeeding

As we all know, breastfeeding is one of the most important parts, both for us and for our baby. He will feed on the nutrients in our milk. This already tells us that the healthier we eat, the better it will be. Hence, sometimes certain doubts may assail us. Is it good to drink green tea while breastfeeding?. As we have been commenting, green tea is one of the best drinks we have. More than anything because it is full of antioxidants, it improves heart health as well as prevents certain other diseases. But at this stage of our life it is not entirely advisable.


Why shouldn't I drink green tea while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding

Nor is there to be alarmed. If you've had a cup of green tea, nothing happens. The problem is given if it is taken in more quantities. Even so, to prevent it is always advisable to opt for other healthier drinks.

The main reason for not drinking green tea when breastfeeding is theine. Although this does not come alone since it also has other ingredients that may not be entirely healthy for our little one.

When we drink beverages with caffeine or theine, this can stimulate the baby. We will notice it because it will be more restless or perhaps, because it sleeps less time. But yes, as long as high doses of these ingredients are taken. Although, as is always said, it is better to be safe.

Bottled green tea

Without a doubt, at this stage of our life, it is best to always stay hydrated. Water is the best solution, but it is also true that sometimes we need something different. When we talk about green tea, we are going to try that it is not bottled either.

While we are commenting that it is better not to opt for it, much less bottled. More than anything because in this case, it will also have other ingredients such as high doses of sugar, among others that do not suit us at all. Nor will we be fooled by those lighter versions, because without a doubt, they also have ingredients that may not be as healthy as we think.

Caffeine in lactation

Green tea and breastfeeding

 

It must be said, in the defense of green tea, that has less caffeine than plain coffee. It is said that a cup of tea can have around 30 mg of caffeine. It is true that this is a very small amount. But if we can avoid it, much better. So, as we see, a cup of this drink does not pose a great risk, but it does have to be taken into account.

Drinks during breastfeeding

We want to take care of ourselves and take care of our baby to the fullest. So, the most important thing is to always stay hydrated. They recommend drinking about two liters of water every day. But yes, avoiding green tea, we can opt for natural juices without sugars. Similarly, carbonated drinks are not recommended, but milk is. Of course, to make sure what is good for you, it is always best to consult your doctor.