When you’re a parent of little ones, a few minutes alone during naptime might be the only “me time” you manage all day. Sure, you might be dreaming of a weekend away with your partner or your friends, but for now, a cup of tea and a few minutes of peace is a great way to rest when you need a break.
It’s normal for moms to struggle, and getting a little extra downtime is one way to be gentle with yourself as you adjust to being a parent. But don’t grab just any tea—instead reach for one of Truly Mama’s specially-curated best teas for moms. Each of these teas have something about them that makes them a great choice for mom.
In this article:
- Why tea?
- Types of tea to try
- Make tea time your time
- The best high-caffeine tea: The Blue Lady Black Tea from Zest tea
- The best tea for boosting milk supply: Traditional Medicinals Mothers Milk tea
- Best postpartum tea: Pink Stork Postpartum Recovery Tea
- The best tea for helping you relax: Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea
- The best green tea: Organic Green Tea
Why Turn to Tea?
The history of tea is a mystery, explained only by ancient mythology. Today, this is a drink enjoyed globally, both hot and iced. And for many, it is so much more than something tasty to drink, it has medicinal uses, too.
Why turn to tea? The reasons for choosing this beverage are as unique as each new parent. Some moms may need a caffeine-free alternative to their daily cup of coffee after discovering their nursing babe is sensitive to caffeine. And more and more parents are finding that caffeine can increase anxiety, so may be looking for something other than a traditional cup of coffee to get them going in the morning.
Others might be searching for something that will help increase their milk supply or support their body while it heals from birth. If you’re having trouble winding down after a stressful day of parenting, there are teas for that too! No matter what you’re trying to achieve with a new tea-drinking habit, don’t be afraid to put yourself first.
Types of Tea to Try
There are thousands of varieties of tea, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Start with a sampling of some of the most popular types of tea. If you’re a mom, these different teas might be perfect for your next “time out”:
- Chamomile tea is believed by many to function as a sleep aid and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Mother’s Milk tea uses a variety of herbs to encourage lactation in breastfeeding moms.
- Caffeinated tea might provide a boost of energy without the jitters often associated with coffee or energy drinks.
- Green tea is a smooth tea that can sometimes taste grassy or herbal that has been said to have a myriad of health benefits.
Before you set out to try new teas, there is one thing to keep in mind—some herbs should be avoided if you’re a breastfeeding mom. Teas containing peppermint, spearmint, sage, or sorrel could negatively affect your milk supply, according to Kelly Mom.
Tea Time: Getting Ready
Let’s make tea time so much more than a rushed cup rewarmed two or three times in the microwave. Your morning or afternoon cuppa could be a truly special ritual for a tired and stressed out mom.
- While you certainly don’t need fancy gadgets to make drinking tea a part of your mom life, a few new things can make it feel really special. Try adding loose-leaf, premium teas, a cute kettle for the stove, and a reusable infuser to your tea time.
- Involve older kids by inviting them to dress up, bake some muffins, and bring poetry to share at your simple, at-home tea party.
- Signal the beginning of your peace and quiet by lighting a candle.
- Practice mindfulness while drinking your tea. This can be as simple as noticing the different flavors you experience, the smells wafting out of your cup, how the temperature feels in your mouth, and how the mug rests in your hands.
- Make it a standing date. If you’re struggling to care for yourself as a busy mom, write down a weekly tea time in your planner and treat it like a doctor’s appointment or work obligation.
The Best Teas for Moms
The Best High-Caffeine Tea for Moms
The Blue Lady Black Tea from Zest
If you’re dragging your feet, a caffeinated tea is a great way to get a little energy boost at the beginning of the day. The Blue Lady Black Tea from Zest Tea has just as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and is made with a delicious combination of orange pekoe black tea, hibiscus flowers, orange, lemon, and cornflower petals. The unique flavor profile of Zest Teas is all from the blend of herbs and teas, with no sugars added.
While this tea has the same caffeine kick as a cup of coffee, it also has benefits that coffee doesn’t. For instance, some people report they experience jitters or anxiety with coffee, but don’t have the same experience with tea.
This tea packs a nutritional punch too, containing an amino acid called L-theanine that has been associated with increased focus. This amino acid also contains antioxidants which may improve immune function according to 2011 research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicines.
How to enjoy:
To make your best cup, drop a single bag into your favorite mug, cover with boiling water, and allow it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes before removing your bag.
Must-know details:
- 20 bags per package
- 150 mg of caffeine per serving
- Fully compostable tea bags
Customer review:
“I normally do not leave reviews but I had to for this tea. This tea is amazing. The tea bags themselves smell amazing. They have a good taste. Pair with some Stevia and/or fresh lemon slices. It’s really good. I just placed my second order. It’s worth the cost. I have one cup every morning at work which is Monday through Friday. Lasts me a month.” —Amazon review
Keep in mind:
This is a high caffeine tea that will give you the energy boost you desire. If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to think twice before having multiple cups. Even though caffeine only transfers to breastmilk in very small amounts, nursing moms are encouraged to stick to around 200 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Best Tea for Boosting Milk Supply
Traditional Medicinals Mothers Milk Tea
Moms have been drinking the Traditional Medicinals Mothers Milk Tea for over 40 years for extra support during the breastfeeding journey. This tea was created to promote healthy lactation and is made with a blend of fennel, anise, fenugreek, blessed thistle, and other herbs and teas. Each box of tea contains 16 bags of organic, caffeine-free tea. This popular and affordable herbal tea can be bought by the box in most grocery stores or ordered in bulk quantities online. This tea has a licorice taste and is slightly sweet, even though it doesn’t contain sugar or stevia.
More research needs to be done to nail down the exact benefits of herbal, location teas. However, many breastfeeding parents and lactation consultants report anecdotal evidence that herbs like fenugreek, fennel, and anise can improve milk supply. We love that this tea is ethically sourced and 100% organic. With over 10,000 reviews, Mothers Milk Tea has earned a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
How to enjoy:
This tea requires a longer steep time than most. Cover one bag with 8 ounces of boiling water and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes before you remove the bag and enjoy your tea.
Must-know details:
- Sweet licorice flavor with a little bitterness
- Caffeine-free
- Supports lactation
Customer review:
“So my baby was in the NICU for a month [and] I was constantly pumping around the clock to give him milk. I had enough milk production. But once my baby came home he was used to drinking milk from the bottle and I guess stressed, tired, restless and also being a mommy, my milk production started to go down. I took this tea one day three times a day – two tea bags- I wanted to see if I got any results and may I say, I bought 6 box of them. Went from pumping one to two ounces to a little over five.” -Amazon review
Keep in mind:
While there is anecdotal evidence that dietary changes can help improve milk supply, we know that breastfeeding is a game of supply and demand. If you feel you are struggling to produce enough milk, visit with a lactation consultant to get advice for helping your baby nurse more efficiently or ways you can express more milk to improve your output. You can also check out how a change in your breastfeeding diet may be able to help boost your milk supply as well.
Best Tea for Postpartum
Pink Stork Postpartum Recovery Tea
This 100% organic tea was made by a female herbalist and includes caffeine-free herbs like red raspberry leaf tea, dandelion root, and oatstraw. These herbs contain nutrients and vitamins that may provide your body with added nutritional support while you heal from childbirth. This tea has a sweet, strawberry and passion fruit flavor.
When you’re a brand new mom, self-care is both essential and so hard to attain. The Pink Stork Postpartum Recovery Tea is a quick and easy way to practice a little self-love while your body heals from giving birth. Each package of Pink Stork Postpartum Recovery Tea contains 15 bags of tea that can be used to make two cups each.
The bags are fully biodegradable. More research needs to be done to prove how many herbs benefit the body. However, the makers of this tea chose ingredients that have impressive amounts of vitamins, including vitamins C and B, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, red raspberry leaf tea has been used throughout the world to promote uterine health for pregnant, newly postpartum, and menstruating persons.
How to enjoy:
Pour 8 oz. of water into a cup and steep for 5 minutes. Enjoy 1-3 cups from each bag. Can be taken hot or iced.
Must-know details:
- Sugar-free
- Fully compostable tea bags
- Contains red raspberry leaf, dandelion root, and oatstraw
Customer review:
“Delivering my second child was anything but the cliche. It was NOT easy! His decision to stay sunny side up made for one heck of a tear and then some, that it took me way longer to get back on my feet than I expected. Out of desperation, I googled products to aid in my recovery, and I especially wanted something more on the holistic side. That’s when I learned about Pink Stork and read all the reviews about the recovery tea. It was everything I needed, from great flavor to feeling the healing effects.” —Amazon review
Keep in mind:
An herbal tea is a great form of self-care, but should never be used as treatment if your postpartum recovery isn’t going well. If you are experiencing unusual pain, excessive bleeding, or depression after giving birth, visit with your care provider right away.
The Best Tea for Relaxing
Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea
Chamomile tea serves many purposes in the early months. For instance, if baby gets a bit of diaper area irritation, you can wipe them with cloth and room temperature chamomile tea. For clogged tear ducts that cause “eye gunk”—very common in young babies—you can put warm (not hot) compresses dipped into chamomile tea to gently wipe their eyes. Last but not least, if you’re breastfeeding, it can be a soothing item as well for irritated nipples. Plus, brewing up a cup is a great way to unwind after a long day of parenting.
This tea feels a little fancy, arriving in an embossed tin. According to Harney & Sons, they used the best of the best to make their chamomile tea, using only the flower of the plant. Historically, chamomile has been used for a wide variety of medicinal uses including decreasing inflammation, improving muscle spasms, lowering fever, and as a sleep aid. Like so many herbal remedies, there isn’t a ton of research out there, but there is a tradition of turning to teas like this to unwind at the end of a long day.
How to enjoy:
To brew a perfect cup, pour 212-degree water over a sachet of tea and let it steep for 5 minutes.
Must-know details:
- Caffeine-free
- 7 star rating
- Subtle, floral flavor
Customer review:
“This is easily the best tea I’ve ever had. Even friends who tell me they are not tea people typically end up liking it. It’s sweet enough (because of the bergamot) that I think many people would be happy to drink it without sugar, but it doesn’t become overwhelmingly sweet when you add sugar.” —Amazon review
Keep in mind:
Babies need a consistent routine to get a great night’s sleep. You might need the same thing if you’re struggling to sleep well. Make your cup of chamomile tea a part of a relaxing conclusion to your day by putting away your screens and reading a book or chatting with your partner instead.
The Best Green Tea
Organic Green Tea
Iced or hot, a great glass of green tea is one of my favorite ways to reset after lunch. This Organic Green Tea by FGO is a quality and affordable pantry staple you can keep on hand. Each pack of tea contains 100 bags of tea. They’re packaged in hemp tea bags that are free from glue or bleach. Plus, they’re staple free so they’re fully compostable.
Most green tea is caffeinated and a cup of brewed green tea has around 28 mg of caffeine. This is still less than a cup of coffee, so you might not feel that hyper, jittery feeling coffee can sometimes trigger. This Organic Green Tea by FGO is made from 100% raw, green tea and it is free from any extra additives or ingredients.
How to enjoy:
Green tea should be smooth, not bitter. To get the best cup of tea, follow the brewing instructions carefully and don’t let the bag steep for any more than 2 to 3 minutes. The makers of this tea suggest pairing it with a slice of lemon or a little bit of honey.
Must-know details:
- 100 bags per container
- Sourced from China
- Naturally caffeinated
Customer review:
“I HIGHLY recommend this brand! I have been purchasing hibiscus teas for quite a while now for heart health and try various brands — there is a difference. I must say this brand is the absolute best tasting and freshest thus far. It’s my first purchase but will not be my last. And I LOVE the zero waste and recyclable packaging – no bulky boxes taking up cabinet space. It’s just win/win all around with this earth friendly company. I wish them well and will definitely be sampling their other products as well as spreading the word to family and friends. Try them!” —Amazon review
Keep in mind:
The makers of this tea stand behind their product and offer a complete refund if you’re not happy with the flavor of your tea. They also offer a variety of other flavors, including hibiscus and nettle leaf tea, in their Amazon shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is herbal tea safe while nursing?
Many herbal teas are safe while breastfeeding, but there are certain herbs you should avoid. It is believed that peppermint, spearmint, and sorrel can decrease your milk supply. If you have any questions or concerns before trying a new tea, check with a lactation consultant.
What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?
Avoid teas that can be detrimental to your milk supply, like peppermint or spearmint teas. You may also want to avoid drinking too much of heavily caffeinated teas since lactation experts recommend limiting caffeine to 200 to 300 milligrams daily.
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