Drinking yerba mate and breastfeeding 

Changes in the diet of a lover of holly infusion concern the amount of Yerba mate consumed during pregnancy and the time after childbirth, especially when the newborn is breastfed. Limitations on the consumption of some drinks are related to the caffeine content, so it is better to drink weaker infusions in smaller quantities. Sacrifices often involve all the stimulating stimulants that a tired mother might crave. While breastfeeding, many women do not sleep and do not have time for a nap during the day, so they resort to caffeinated drinks and coffee, Yerba or energy drinks. Is it healthy for the body of a breastfed baby? How to avoid the negative effects of caffeine on your baby’s body while breastfeeding?

Is drinking Yerba mate while breastfeeding healthy for your baby?

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to drinking Yerba mate, so new mothers do not have to give up their favorite drink. However, please remember that holly is a plant that contains caffeine in its leaves. There can be a lot of it in a strong infusion. This stimulant passes into breast milk during lactation and is consumed by the baby. It can have a negative impact on both the child and the parents. If the mother exceeds the permitted dose of caffeine during the day, the baby may have trouble falling asleep. Other problems that may occur in a toddler include appetite disturbances and signs of excessive stimulation.

Caffeine consumption – safe doses during lactation

Women who decide to breastfeed are recommended to limit the consumption of Yerba mate to two portions of the infusion a day and reach for milder types of dried herb. For the health of your child, it is better to limit yourself to smaller portions of the herb and drink the infusion in an amount not exceeding 500 ml. It’s not only safe, but also good for your health. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can drink yerba and freely use the dried material from the first infusion several times a day, without exceeding the recommended norm. Just pour the same herb several times, instead of brewing a new one each time and providing your body with a fresh dose of caffeine. The Food Standards Agency recommends limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding to a maximum of 200 mg per day. 

Breastfeeding and drinking Yerba mate – research in southern Brazil

The study, conducted in southern Brazil from January to December 1993, involved over 5,300 expectant women. The analysis included only single births and did not analyze data from twin pregnancies. Interviews were conducted with mothers, 68% of whom consumed Yerba mate at least once a week throughout pregnancy. The study did not show any connection between drinking Yerba and premature birth or with the child’s weight below the norm. It is worth considering that in South American countries, on average, 1.8 liters of mate infusion are drunk per day, which contains approximately 17 mg/100 ml of caffeine, which corresponds to the consumption of 300 mg of caffeine per day. 

Contraindications to consuming mate for pregnant women and while breastfeeding 

Contraindications apply to people who, due to the caffeine content, should not drink drinks with a high alkaloid content, including coffee or strong tea. These products also include Yerba mate. To sum up, drinking Yerba Mate during pregnancy and later while breastfeeding is safe, provided there are no medical contraindications, no side effects occur and drink consumption restrictions are observed.