Nursing Mama Tea

This is a super simple tea and one that we consider absolutely necessary.  Kate made this as an infusion every day while nursing, and it really helps.  It can help you heal, feel more normal, improve hormone balance, and – yes, it has galactagogues (meaning it has herbs that increase milk supply).

There are some optional ingredients that you can add to boost your milk supply even more.  Some decide not to add them because maybe they have plenty of milk for their babies and don’t want to increase beyond that. It’s a yummy, nourishing tea that is also safe for the rest of the family, so you can make a lot and share it if you like.

It is very similar ingredients to the third-trimester tea, which we credit with reducing both the severity and duration of afterpains.  You may barely even have to use the cramp tincture for afterpains (which uses similar ingredients).

Super simple to make.  And you’ll want to always keep the first two ingredients on hand…at least if you’re like me!  They help with cramping and periods, too, so even if you’re not in a pregnancy-breastfeeding part of your life, they are still very helpful.

Nursing Mama Tea

Pick a weight measurement, say 1 ounce, and use that for each part.

Ingredients: 

• 2 parts red raspberry leaf
• 2 parts nettle leaf
• 1 part spearmint leaf
• 1/2 part fenugreek seed (optional)
• 1/2 part motherwort (optional; good for anxiety)
• 1/2 part goat's rue (optional; good for supporting milk production -- but can add a bitter flavor)

Directions: 

Step 1: Blend together and keep in a big bag or a glass jar.

Step 2: Put a big handful intp a [pt of cold, filtered water to brew. (I’d estimate about 3/4 cup for a half gallon).

Step 3: Bring it to a boil, then shut it off and let it steep for a few hours.

Step 4: Strain, discard the herbs, and sweeten light if desired. I like to add 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey per half gallon.