Can I Drink Tea When Breastfeeding?

Yes, most breastfeeding moms can drink tea. The main things to watch are caffeine, herbal ingredients, and your baby’s response.

For Australia, the safest guide is no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day while breastfeeding. For the USA, the CDC says low to moderate caffeine is about 300 mg or less per day, while ACOG says 200 mg per day most likely will not affect your baby. A simple shared rule for both markets is to aim for around 200 mg per day, especially if your baby is newborn, premature, unsettled, or sensitive to caffeine.

Is Tea Safe While Breastfeeding?

Tea is usually safe while breastfeeding when you drink it in moderate amounts.

Black tea, green tea, chai, matcha, and iced tea may contain caffeine. Herbal teas are often caffeine-free, but that does not mean every herbal tea is safe.

Some herbs have limited breastfeeding safety data. Others may affect digestion, sleep, medication, or milk supply. The Australian Breastfeeding Association notes that herbal products can pass into breast milk, so it is best to treat strong herbal products with care.

USA vs Australia Caffeine Guidance

Market	Breastfeeding caffeine guidance	Best practical takeaway
Australia	Up to 200 mg per day	Use 200 mg as the daily limit
USA	CDC: about 300 mg or less per day; ACOG: 200 mg per day most likely will not affect baby	Use 200 mg for a cautious, baby-friendly limit

Caffeine passes into breast milk in small amounts. It may affect some babies, especially newborns, because they process caffeine more slowly than adults. Signs of too much caffeine may include fussiness, poor sleep, jitteriness, or trouble settling.

Caffeine in Popular Teas

Tea drink	Caffeine level	Breastfeeding note
Black tea	Moderate	Usually fine in moderation
Green tea	Low to moderate	Count it toward your daily limit
Matcha	Moderate to high	Use smaller serves
Chai tea	Moderate if made with black tea	Watch caffeine and sugar
Decaf tea	Very low	Good everyday choice
Rooibos tea	Caffeine-free	Gentle option
Ginger tea	Caffeine-free	Common postpartum choice
Chamomile tea	Caffeine-free	Use moderate amounts

Can I Drink Chamomile Tea While Breastfeeding?

Yes, many breastfeeding mothers drink chamomile tea in small amounts.

Chamomile is caffeine-free and often used for calm or sleep. Still, breastfeeding safety data is limited, so it is best to keep intake moderate. Avoid strong chamomile extracts, tinctures, or multi-herb blends unless your doctor, pharmacist, or lactation consultant says they are suitable.

Use extra care if you or your baby have allergies, especially to plants in the daisy or ragweed family.

Can I Drink Green Tea While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can drink green tea while breastfeeding.

Green tea contains caffeine, so include it in your daily total. One or two cups may fit well within a 200 mg limit, depending on the strength and serving size.

Avoid green tea weight-loss blends, detox teas, and high-caffeine matcha drinks. These may contain extra stimulants or herbs that are not ideal while breastfeeding.

Best Teas to Drink While Breastfeeding

A purpose-made breastfeeding tea can be a simple choice when you want a caffeine-free blend made for nursing mothers. Other good everyday choices include:

Tea	Why it may suit breastfeeding
Rooibos tea	Naturally caffeine-free
Ginger tea	Gentle and warming
Decaf black tea	Familiar taste with very little caffeine
Weak green tea	Lower caffeine than many coffees
Plain chamomile tea	Caffeine-free, best in moderate amounts

Fewer ingredients make it easier to check safety.

Peppermint, Spearmint, and Milk Supply

Small amounts of peppermint or spearmint tea are unlikely to be a problem for many breastfeeding mothers.

Still, some parents avoid large amounts of mint tea because peppermint and spearmint are often linked with possible milk supply reduction. Evidence is limited, but caution makes sense if:

• your milk supply is low
• your baby is not gaining weight well
• breastfeeding is not yet established
• you drink strong mint tea daily
• you use peppermint oil or concentrated mint products

If supply is a concern, choose rooibos, ginger, or decaf tea instead.

Teas to Avoid or Use With Care While Breastfeeding

Use caution with:

• hibiscus tea
• dandelion tea
• sage tea
• licorice root tea
• detox tea
• laxative tea
• weight-loss tea
• “throat coat” blends
• “sleepytime” blends with many herbs
• strong herbal extracts

Pregnancy Birth & Baby advises that some herbal teas have limited safety information during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including dandelion, and recommends caution with large amounts of chamomile.

How to Choose a Breastfeeding-Friendly Tea

Use this checklist:

Check	What to do
Caffeine	Stay near 200 mg per day for a cautious USA/Australia guide
Ingredients	Choose simple blends
Claims	Avoid detox, laxative, or stimulant teas
Strength	Brew lighter if needed
Baby response	Reduce caffeine if baby is unsettled
Medical conditions	Ask a health professional if unsure

FAQs About Tea When Breastfeeding

Can I drink tea while breastfeeding?

Yes. Most breastfeeding mothers can drink tea in moderation. Track caffeine and check herbal ingredients.

Can I drink chamomile tea while breastfeeding?

Yes, small amounts are commonly used. Keep it moderate and avoid strong extracts.

Can I drink green tea while breastfeeding?

Yes. Green tea is usually fine, but it contains caffeine.

Can I drink black tea while breastfeeding?

Yes. Black tea is usually fine in moderation. Count it toward your caffeine total.

Can I drink peppermint tea while breastfeeding?

A small cup is usually fine. Limit it if you are worried about milk supply.

Can I drink ginger tea while breastfeeding?

Yes, ginger tea is a gentle caffeine-free option for many breastfeeding mothers.

Can I drink hibiscus tea while breastfeeding?

Use caution. Safety data is limited, so ask a healthcare professional before drinking it regularly.

Can I drink chai tea while breastfeeding?

Yes, if it fits your caffeine limit. Chai usually contains black tea.