WHY OUR BREASTFEEDING TEAS DON'T INCLUDE FENUGREEK
You may have seen many breastfeeding teas list Fenugreek among their ingredients. But while it has been used as a herb for many years, it may be an ingredient to avoid when you are breastfeeding.
FENUGREEK AND ITS USES
Fenugreek seed comes from the Fabaceae plant and originates from the Mediterranean region of Europe. Used widely in Indian and Asian cuisine, it is also used in tea, cosmetics, condiments and soaps. With antioxidant properties and a range of vitamins, there are health benefits from consuming Fenugreek, but there are also some unwanted side effects we should be aware of, particularly for breast feeding mothers."
WHY WE DON’T INCLUDE FENUGREEK IN OUR BREASTFEEDING TEAS.
While fenugreek is quite a good stimulator of milk production in mothers, it has some side effects that warrant its use with caution.
The Breastfeeding Tea Co’s resident naturopath Amanda Hunter shares the side effects to be aware of when consuming this ingredient:
If you have a thyroid problem, particularly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Fenugreek can influence the active thyroid hormone your body uses. This can make your hypothyroidism worse and accordingly reduce milk production. Women who are on medication for their thyroid problem, have a normal milk supply while breastfeeding.
Some women have reported side effects from Fenugreek, such as diarrhoea, gas and heartburn and urine and sweat that smells like maple syrup – that smell can show up in baby’s urine too.
If mum’s digestive system is upset, then this can cause similar symptoms in the baby.
Fenugreek is capable of lowering blood sugar, so if you are at all hypoglycemic (suffer from low blood sugar symptoms) Fenugreek could make these symptoms worse, so you would need to monitor your glucose levels.
Fenugreek is a legume and those who have peanut and chickpea allergies may experience a cross-reaction and a possible allergic reaction.
Fenugreek is such a good stimulator of breast milk that the baby can become fussy and develop loose, watery, green stools – a sign of too much foremilk.
We use other herbs that are very good for stimulating milk production but don’t have the above possible side effects.
Our resident naturopath is always available to share more information on fenugreek and why we choose to leave this ingredient out of our breastfeeding tea blends. Please feel free to get in touch via our contact us page if you would like more information on our blends or ingredients.
Still pregnant? We recommend our Pregnancy Tea to prepare your body for birth and breastfeeding
Jordana Edwards is founder of Clean Tea Australia and The Breastfeeding Tea Co. Created in 2013 in collaboration with her naturopath mother, Jordana first sold Clean Tea at the markets in Byron Bay before growing her “little tea stall” into a multimillion dollar ecommerce global business.As the recipient of an astounding 5 awards at the 2020 Ausmumprenuer Awards, this business powerhouse has also been listed as one of the 2020 Remodista International “Women to Watch” in business disruption, as well as being a nominee as a Facebook “Community Leader” for her work training, mentoring and supporting women in business in her local and rural area.
