Is your desire to increase milk supply forcing you to try Mother’s Milk Tea? Or have you already tried it, and now your stomach ache and your little ones crying have made you wonder if it was a good decision or not? I understand low milk supply is something that most moms go through; I was also one of them. And in our hunt, we try various things, some of them work, and some don’t.
Indeed mother’s milk tea has various benefits, and one of them is increasing milk supply. Many moms who face trouble with low milk supply opt for this. However, it works like magic for some of them, but for others, it turns into a curse. So, before you make any decision, please read this article to find out what ingredients the mother’s milk tea contains, what are its benefits and possible side effects, and what are some other helpful things that can help you produce more milk.
What is Mother’s Milk Tea?
Mother’s Milk Tea is a form of herbal tea that contains various lactogenic herbal ingredients, which are said to increase the milk supply in breastfeeding moms. The tea has a sweet flavor with a strong taste of licorice that some women don’t like.
Ingredients in Mother’s Milk Tea
The main ingredients that are found in mother’s milk tea are Fennel and Anise. Along with these, fenugreek, spearmint, coriander, blessed thistle, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and lemon verbena are included.
Fennel
According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, the compound’s fennel contains act similarly to the hormone estrogen. Hence, it is included in the milk tea to increase breastfeeding mother’s milk supply. However, the same study reports that excessive use of fennel has caused toxicity in at least 2 newborn babies that have been breastfed.
Anise
According to a study published in ISRN, anise is commonly used in traditional medicine in Iran. It’s said to increases milk supply, urination, sweat secretion, and menstruation. But the drug and lactation database reports that overdose of anise is also responsible for causing toxicity in breastfed babies.
Fenugreek
As per the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, another herbal ingredient found in mother’s milk tea is known to boost milk production in breastfeeding moms. On the other hand, fenugreek has a few side effects as well, such as diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and worsening of asthma. It can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Benefits of Mother’s Milk Tea
Improved Milk Supply
As mentioned above, the lactogenic ingredients in Mother’s Milk Tea are said to increase milk supply production. No matter if you take it hot, cold, or mixed with something to make it taste better, you will notice a remarkable difference in your milk production.
Improved Iron level
Another great benefit of a mother’s milk tea is it will increase iron levels in the blood. And this is not only great for us mothers but also for our little breastfed babies.
Possible Side Effects of Mother’s Milk Tea
As mentioned above, fennel, anise, and fenugreek will all have side effects if consumed excessively. So you may or may not experience some allergic reaction after drinking this herbal tea. Some of the most common side effects are:
Stomach Ache
It is possible that after consuming the mother’s milk tea, your stomach starts producing too much gas. It happens because fenugreek not only increases milk supply but it also increases gas production. There is a high probability that your little one may also experience this side effect and give colic-like symptoms to you as well as your little breastfed baby.
Bad Body Odor
Fenugreek can also leave you with an unexpected maple-like smell in breastmilk, urine, and sweat. But there’s nothing to worry about as long as your baby’s urine doesn’t have this weird smell. In this case, it is best if you consult the doctor first.
Bad Stomach Acids
Blessed thistle is the ingredient that is responsible for producing stomach acids. It can even lead to heartburn or stomach ulcer if mother’s milk tea is consumed in excess quantities.
Alternative Ways to Increase Milk Supply
According to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2018, whatever herbs a breastfeeding woman takes in her diet are most excreted into breast milk. It means that infants who are being breastfed are also vulnerable to the side effects that may occur due to the consumption of herbal products.
So, it’s better to look for alternative and less risky methods to increase your milk supply. Here are some of the tips that I found very useful while I was breastfeeding my son:
- Try to stay hydrated as much as you can when breastfeeding. Drink water, juice, milk in adequate quantities. Limit your coffee intake as well as sodas and other caffeinated beverages. And if you’re out with your friends and you had an alcoholic drink, then avoid breastfeeding your little munchkin for at least 2 hours.
- Take extra care of your health. And when it comes to food, maintain a nutritious diet containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- In your free time, pump your milk because the more you pump, the greater your supply will be.
- Avoid formula feeding because it will lower your milk supply. When you’re with your baby, breastfeed him according to his demand.
FAQs
Does mother’s milk tea work?
Yes, the ingredients used in mother’s milk tea increases the milk supply for certain women. The anise and fennel seeds in this herbal tea will help you produce more milk. However, it is essential to know that the tea boosts the milk supply but does not maintain it. Also, if you are allergic to any of these ingredients, then you may face some side effects.
How quickly will mother’s milk tea work?
Often, mothers notice a difference in their milk supply after 24-72 hours of consuming this herbal tea. But for some women, it can also take up to 2 weeks to notice the change.
Can mother’s milk tea cause gas?
Mother’s milk tea also contains fenugreek which also helps produce more milk, but the same ingredient can also be gastrointestinal if consumed in excess. Diarrhea, upset stomach, and acidity are some of the side effects that women feel after drinking the mother’s milk tea.
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Milk Tea is undoubtedly excellent, but it doesn’t mean it will work for you. Last year, when one of my friends, Emma, tried it she vouched for it and said she noticed a significant increase in her milk supply within 72 hours.
So, recently, when my sister was having trouble due to less milk supply, Emma shared her experience and recommended mother’s milk tea to my sister. However, the same milk tea didn’t work for my sister and gave her severe acidity.
If you also experience any of the mentioned side effects, then it’s wise to immediately stop drinking mother’s milk tea, and look for a more suitable solution or consult a medical professional.
