Here are all the ins and outs of using Mother’s Milk Tea from a baby nurse and lactation counselor. Plus, how fast does Mother’s Milk tea work?
If you have been nursing your baby for any length of time, you may have heard someone mention to you about certain foods and drinks that increase breast milk supply. Below we will look at what lactation teas are, how to use them, if they work, and how fast Mother’s Milk Tea works.
What are Lactation Teas?
Lactation teas are a type of herbal tea, like Mother’s Milk Tea, that is known to boost milk supply the natural way. The tea blend is made up of several galactagogue herbs. Galactagogues are foods, herbs, drinks, or supplements known to increase a mother’s milk supply.
Some common herbal galactagogues are:
- Milk Thistle
- Raspberry Leaf
- Marshmallow Root
- Black Licorice
- Fenugreek Seed
- Goat’s Rue
- Blessed Thistle
There are several recipes for making your own herbal blends of lactation tea, however, much of the time, after purchasing each ingredient, the price equals more than just buying the prepackaged version.
Lactation teas are made of natural ingredients and a combination of herbs known to boost milk supply.
Does Lactation Teas Really Work?
It’s a fair question. Lactation Consultants and mothers themselves tout Mother’s Milk Tea benefits, but is there scientific evidence that these boost lactation?
After reviewing several clinical trials, studies show us that these teas are an effective way to increase milk volume in breast milk production. In a randomized control trial on mothers who drank lactation teas, those who didn’t, and those who were given a placebo of lemon verbena leaf tea, research showed that “Maximum weight loss was significantly lower in infants in group 1 (those whose mother drank lactation tea) compared to both the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05). Infants in group 1 (the lactation tea group) regained their birth weight earlier than those in control and placebo groups.”
So, yes! Moms who drink lactation teas have more milk supply.
How Fast Does Mother’s Milk Tea Work?
Some mothers report more milk volume in 24 hours. Others saw a boost within 72 hours. It is recommended that you drink 3-5 cups of Mother’s Milk Tea each day to see results. The study mentioned above tested milk results over one week. By one week old, the babies whose mothers drank the tea regained their birth weight faster than those who didn’t.
How to Use Mother’s Milk Tea
Some mothers didn’t care for the Mother’s Milk Tea taste. This tea is full of herbal ingredients, so chances are if you like herbal teas, you will like this. If not, it may take some getting used to. See below for ingredients and how to “doctor” it.
To Make Mother’s Milk Tea
- Pour 8 oz. freshly boiled, hot water over 1 tea bag.
- Cover and steep for 10-15 min.
- Squeeze the tea bag to ensure maximum goodness.
- Recommended dosage: Enjoy 3-5 cups per day.
Makes one cup of tea. The best time to drink Mother’s Milk Tea is after the baby arrives.
Don’t like the taste? Try this:
- Add honey or maple syrup to your tea.
- Add 1/4 cup apple juice.
- Froth 1/4 cup oat milk and add after brewing. Top with a sprinkle of cloves.
- Add a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream.
Ingredients of Mother’s Milk Tea: Organic bitter fennel fruit, organic anise fruit, organic coriander fruit, organic fenugreek seed, organic blessed thistle herb, organic spearmint leaf, organic West Indian lemongrass leaf, organic lemon verbena leaf, organic marshmallow root*
Side effects
Research shows no known side effects to mothers or babies who consume lactation teas, but some mothers report upset stomach or uterine contractions, especially when taken soon after the baby is born.
If you experience any adverse effects, give your healthcare provider a call.
Signs of a Low Milk Supply
It can feel concerning on our breastfeeding journey when we aren’t sure if our babies are getting enough milk. If you feel concerned about this, it’s a good idea to see a lactation consultant. They will be able to know right away if there is a milk supply issue.
A few signs of low milk supply are that your baby often goes for longer than four hours at a time between nursing sessions, your breasts do not feel full before feeding, your baby seems frantic at the breast, they pee dark yellow urine, or they aren’t peeing and pooping at least four times every 24 hours.
If this is the case, be sure to make an appointment with lactation support or call your pediatrician.
How to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Mother’s Milk Tea is a great way to increase breast supply but there are several more. These not only maintain your supply but can give it a boost as well.
The number one reason moms see a dip in milk supply is dehydration. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day! You need at least eight cups and even more when you are active or the weather is warm. This is also a great job for Dad or your support team. Have them be responsible for bringing you a full water bottle every time you sit down to nurse. This will help you remember to drink.
For other nurse-approved ways to increase your breast milk supply, visit 12 Ways on How to Increase Your Supply.
How Fast Does Mother’s Milk Tea Work?
In conclusion, Mother’s Milk Tea does work to increase milk supply. Most mothers see results within 24-72 hours. For best results, drink 3-5 cups every day. Happy nursing!
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