Mother’s Milk Tea | Increasing Breastmilk Supply Naturally

Whether you are a first-time breastfeeding mother or have experience, it is likely that you may encounter supply problems.

Increasing milk production takes time, but there are a few things you can do to help facilitate higher yields. For this reason, many women dive into the world of lactation supplements like Mother’s Milk Tea.

So, does Mother’s Milk Tea work? Despite many reports of increased breast milk production with Mother’s Milk Tea, there is no conclusive evidence to support its efficacy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that consistent consumption of the active ingredients in Mother’s Milk Tea may be associated with greater milk yields. 

Keep reading to learn more about Mother’s Milk Tea, what’s scientifically supported, and what may be a placebo effect. 

Does Mother’s Milk Tea Help To Produce Breast Milk?

Yes, Mother’s Milk Tea can help increase breast milk production. Several ingredients in the tea are time-tested herbal remedies used by mothers for generations. To some extent, the legacy of these ingredients speaks for itself. 

However, it’s important to note that there is no conclusive evidence on how many of these ingredients impact milk production, nor are lactation supplements the most effective or recommended method of supporting production. 

How Does Mother’s Milk Tea Work?

Mother’s Milk Tea claims to increase breastmilk production through the use of natural galactagogues. Galactagogues are foods, medicines, or supplements that stimulate lactation by some means.

While it’s not fully understood how galactagogues work, it’s assumed that they positively affect prolactin levels and milk ejection. 

Mother’s Milk Tea Ingredients

Mother’s Milk Tea is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and Kosher certified. The ingredients are organically grown, ethically sourced, and wild-collected medicinal-grade plants.

The full ingredients list with amounts can be found below:

• Organic bitter fennel fruit (560 mg)
• Organic anise fruit (350 mg)
• Organic coriander fruit (210 mg)
• Organic fenugreek seed (35 mg)
• Organic blessed thistle herb (35 mg)
• Organic proprietary blend (560 mg)
  • Organic spearmint leaf
  • Organic West Indian lemongrass leaf
  • Organic lemon verbena leaf
  • Organic marshmallow root

Does Fenugreek Increase Breast Milk?

Many studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of fenugreek as a lactation supplement. These studies have drawn inconclusive and conflicting results about fenugreek’s impact on milk production.

Studies in favor of fenugreek often had limitations or parameters that required further testing, such as missing control groups, randomization, or isolation of the herb. 

Most of the evidence definitively associating fenugreek with increased breast milk supply are anecdotal.

This means that they come from first-hand testimonies of women who struggled with low supply and found fenugreek to help in their experience.

Mother’s Milk Tea Benefits

The main benefit of Mother’s Milk Tea is increased breast milk production. Other benefits can include improved mood, weight loss, and reduced anxiety.

However, these benefits are not isolated to tea. Breastfeeding on its own also causes these effects. 

Mother’s Milk Tea Side Effects

The side effects of Mother’s Milk Tea often stem from its main ingredients – fenugreek and blessed thistle. The most common negative side effects are gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, and heartburn. 

One interesting side effect that may occur as a result of fenugreek consumption are changes in the smell of urine.

If you notice the scent of maple syrup in the bathroom, you can attribute it to the intake of fenugreek, which is often used as a maple substitute. 

Is Mother’s Milk Tea Safe for Baby?

A randomized control trial that tested the safety of Mother’s Milk Tea on breastfeeding mothers and their infants showed no adverse results. This means that, for the average healthy mother and child, Mother’s Milk Tea poses no increased risk for negative effects.

This trial monitored participants throughout the first year of life and indicated that more testing would be needed to review effects over a longer period.

Does Mother’s Milk Tea Have Caffeine?

Unlike many teas, Mother’s Milk Tea is caffeine free. Caffeine is a substance known to cause issues with breast milk production, so it makes sense that this tea was formulated without it. 

Does Mother’s Milk Tea Make You Sleepy?

Mother’s Milk Tea does not contain a warning for drowsiness on the label; however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a potential side effect since this product is not FDA regulated or approved.

While none of the ingredients directly cause drowsiness, drinking warm tea is known to be a relaxant. Some people may find themselves sleepy following a warm cup of Mother’s Milk Tea. 

When To Start Drinking Mother’s Milk Tea

Consult with your obstetrician, pediatrician, or certified lactation consultant prior to starting any lactation supplement. There are other parameters that should be evaluated before relying on galactagogues. 

They’ll likely see if adjusting your child’s latch, increasing water intake, breast emptying, or demanding milk more frequently will improve overall supply.

Oftentimes, concerns over low supply can be attributed to one of these factors and resolve themselves quickly following short adjustment periods. 

Can You Drink Mother’s Milk Tea While Pregnant?

Mother’s Milk Tea states on the label that women who are pregnant should consult their doctor prior to use.

Many of the key ingredients in Mother’s Milk Tea, like fenugreek and coriander, are not safe during pregnancy in quantities larger than that found in normal food intake. Consumption of the herbs has been connected to an increased risk of birth defects. 

Will Mother’s Milk Tea Induce Labor?

Fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, and lemongrass are among the ingredients in Mother’s Milk Tea known for the potential to stimulate uterine contractions.

These herbs in significant quantities can cause premature labor. For safe ways to induce labor naturally, please consult your obstetrician. 

How Much Mother’s Milk Tea To Drink Per Day

Women who report increases in breastmilk production consumed 3 to 4 cups of Mother’s Milk Tea each day. Consistency in consumption has a high association with success.

Once milk supply adequately increases to meet the needs of your little one, you can lay off the herbal supplement. 

How Quickly Will Mother’s Milk Tea Work?

The general consensus across the forums, mommy blogs, and research trials is a 2-3 day turnaround time. Breastfeeding mothers noticed a 1-3 ounce production increase per session following the third day of consistent tea consumption.

Does Mother’s Milk Tea Increase Breast Size?

Mother’s Milk Tea does not directly increase breast size. However, if increased production occurs, breasts may seem fuller and larger prior to emptying. Many women have to move up in bra size while breastfeeding to accommodate. 

Does Mother’s Milk Tea Help With Weight Loss?

Mother’s Milk Tea does not directly cause weight loss or claim to aid in it.

However, some breastfeeding mothers may notice their baby weight being shed more quickly than their formula-feeding counterparts. This is due to the 500-700 calories burned daily from breastfeeding sessions. 

How To Prepare Mother’s Milk Tea

According to the Traditional Medicinals website, making the tea only requires four steps.

1. Pour 8 ounces of freshly boiled water over 1 Mother’s Milk Teabag. 
2. Cover, and let the tea bag steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bag, and carefully squeeze the excess liquid into the cup. 
4. Add honey to taste, and enjoy the tea. 

Mother’s Milk Tea Taste

This herbal lactation supplement was formulated to taste like sweet licorice. Many women report a bitter aftertaste from the fenugreek in the tea.

This is a normal occurrence for herbal teas, so if you’re already a tea lover, you likely won’t mind the taste. 

How To Make Mother’s Milk Tea Taste Better

There is no rule against incorporating additional ingredients to better accommodate your flavor preferences. Herbal teas tend to taste earthy, but adding oat milk or honey can improve the taste.

Just remember to avoid adding caffeine, alcohol, or high quantities of certain ingredients such as peppermint since they negatively affect breast milk production. 

Mother’s Milk Tea Recipes

There are several ways to prepare Mother’s Milk Tea to improve flavor and maximize results. We’ve compiled some of the most popular options below. 

Lactation Oatmeal

While this recipe hasn’t been evaluated for efficacy, it makes sense when broken down. Fenugreek has a similar flavor profile to maple syrup and is one of the most distinguishable flavors in Mother’s Milk Tea aside from licorice. 

By replacing the water typically used to make oatmeal with Mother’s Milk Tea, you’re incorporating another milk-producing ingredient: oats.

To improve flavor, you can use traditional oatmeal toppings or other foods known to aid in lactation, such as apricots, almonds, flax seeds, or dates. 

Lactation Oatmeal Recipe:

1. Add 1 cup of instant oatmeal to 2 cups of Mother’s Milk Tea
2. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop for 5 minutes or until oatmeal reaches desired consistency. 
3. Add toppings, and stir thoroughly. 
4. Allow oatmeal to cool, and enjoy. 

Mother’s Milk Iced Tea

Sometimes iced tea just tastes better. This recipe isn’t difficult and allows you to prepare a few days’ worth of tea at once, which can save time for busy moms or those on the go. To prepare this recipe, follow the instructions below: 

1. Boil 32 ounces of water, and steep with 4 Mother’s Milk Tea bags. 
2. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature on the counter. 
3. Place the tea pitcher into the fridge to store. 
4. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh lemon. 

Homemade Lactation Tea

Making your own lactation tea at home gives you flexibility in what ingredients are incorporated. Additionally, home recipes can be made in bigger batches that save money in the long run. 

This recipe makes roughly 2 cups of dried tea mixture, which equates to almost 100 cups of prepared tea. When needed, use 1 teaspoon of tea mixture in a tea compress or reusable tea bag and follow traditional Mother’s Milk Tea directions. 

• ¼ cup fenugreek seed
• ¼ cup fennel seed
• ¼ cup dried blessed thistle
• ¼ cup anise seed
• ¼ cup coriander seed
• ½ cup nettle leaf
• ½ cup dried lemon verbena

Conclusion

Mother’s Milk Tea does work in boosting milk production for some women. Other factors should be tested and dismissed prior to relying on lactation supplements.

In addition, alternative methods have been proven to be more effective in stimulating breast milk production.

Pregnant women should avoid drinking Mother’s Milk Tea, and those who are breastfeeding are recommended to consult with their doctor.