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Milk Production and Herbal Teas |
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Written by Leslye Adelman, M.S., IBCLC, CCE
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
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Dear Lactation Consultant:
I was told by a friend that if I drink an herbal tea designed to increase milk supply, it would help me. What is your theory on them?
Monika Zielinska
Sherman Oaks, CA
Dear Monika:
This is a question I am often asked. There are several teas made specifically for maintaining milk production. They are safe but they will not really increase supply.
What they will do is help you to maintain your supply by drinking at least 48 oz. of liquid a day, which can include the tea. There are several brands of teas that "promote healthy lactation," most of which are organic. They contain herbs such as fennel, aniseed, fenugreek, blessed thistle, marshmallow root, etc. Several of these have been used for hundreds of years in larger quantities to increase supply, usually under direction on a trained lactation consultant. Read the warnings on the packages before using and never buy in bulk where there are no warnings, as you don't really know what you are getting. Although the tea may not do much for actual stimulation, they will more likely relax you and that's a good thing for a new mom. So brew a hot cup when you have put the baby down after nursing and slowly sip a cup of tea with your legs up and a good summer read.
Leslye
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