Chamomile tea is a popular beverage prepared by steeping dried chamomile flowers in boiling water. It is widely popular for its calming effects and distinctive therapeutic properties. You may consider taking chamomile tea when breastfeeding for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-depression, and lactogenic effects. However, most of these effects aren’t well researched. Hence, the effect of chamomile tea on lactating women and their nursing babies is still unclear. Keep reading to know more about the safety of chamomile tea for lactating women, its effects on breast milk supply, possible benefits, and precautions you should observe while drinking it.
Is It Safe To Consume Chamomile Tea When Breastfeeding?
The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) categorizes chamomile as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) to use as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent (1). However, the safety of chamomile tea for lactating mothers and nursing infants lacks clinical evidence. Therefore, consult a doctor or lactation expert before adding chamomile tea to your diet. Your healthcare provider can also guide you about the safe intake limit of the tea.
Does Chamomile Tea Increase Breast Milk Supply?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that chamomile tea has galactagogue effects (1) (2). But, the effects may vary among breastfeeding mothers. There is also insufficient research to establish its effects on breast milk production. The best way to increase milk production is through nursing on demand, or pumping regularly. Hannah Whittaker, an expert pediatric and pregnancy dietitian from Liverpool, England, says, “At present, some studies have shown varying evidence that chamomile tea can increase breastmilk supply. Due to this, it is unethical to say that taking chamomile tea will increase milk supply. I wouldn’t advocate breastfeeding mums using chamomile tea to increase their milk supply. The way to do so would be to use a breast pump between feeding and massage the breast to stimulate milk flow.”
Possible Benefits of Chamomile Tea When Lactating
Consumption of chamomile tea may provide the following benefits to breastfeeding mothers. Consult your healthcare provider regarding the use of chamomile tea with a well-balanced breastfeeding diet to reap its health benefits.
How To Select Chamomile Tea?
If you are consuming chamomile tea, buy a good quality variety, and store it correctly. Store the tea bag or loose tea in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
Precautions To Take While Consuming Chamomile Tea During Lactation
Observe the following precautions while making chamomile tea a part of your diet. Stop consuming the tea and consult a doctor if you notice any allergy symptoms in the baby or if the baby does not seem to be getting adequate milk.
Can Chamomile Tea Help With Colic In A Baby?
Whittaker opines, “Colic is a symptom, not a clinical condition and the cause of colic is unknown. It is thought that it may be due to gastrointestinal development, which improves with age, but this is not clear. A study from 2007 did show some improvement in symptoms for babies with colic when given 150ml of chamomile tea per day (however this was combined with other herbs). At present, in clinical practice, I would not recommend chamomile tea to my clients.”
