If you are a new mother, you may often wonder if drinking chamomile tea while nursing can help you relax, or even support your baby’s comfort. In this post, I explore chamomile tea and breastfeeding honestly. I will outline potential benefits, possible risks, what research says, and how to use it safely if you choose to include it in your routine.
Why Breastfeeding Mothers Turn to Chamomile Tea
Many moms enjoy chamomile tea because it tastes gentle and feels calming. Furthermore, they often hope it can soothe stress or help with sleep; both welcome after the demands of late‑night feeds. Additionally, some parents believe chamomile might ease digestion or calm a fussy baby.
And indeed, chamomile’s long history as a soothing herbal tea makes it tempting. However, when you combine chamomile tea and breastfeeding, you deserve clear, evidence‑based guidance.
What Science Says: Safety & Uncertainties of Chamomile Tea and Breastfeeding
Here is a summary of what research and health organizations report about chamomile tea consumption during lactation — as of now.
What we know so far
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According to the U.S. government’s review of herbal medicines, chamomile used orally “in amounts commonly found in teas and other foods” is regarded as “possibly safe” for adults.
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Some mothers and traditional users report no problems when drinking 1 cup of chamomile per day while breastfeeding. savorathome+1
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Chamomile remains “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when used as a food or flavoring agent ,which includes chamomile tea.
These facts suggest that moderate consumption of chamomile tea that is, a cup or two a day — may be compatible with breastfeeding, at least for many people.
What we don’t know, and potential risks of Chamomile tea and breastfeeding
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No large, rigorous studies clearly prove how chamomile affects breastmilk composition or how it affects infants when consumed by a nursing mother.
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Experts on breastfeeding caution that some chamomile products may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which poses theoretical risk of infant botulism.
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Chamomile belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). People who are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums may react to chamomile, showing symptoms like rash, itching, or in rare cases, more serious allergic response.
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Chamomile may interact with certain medications, for example, blood thinners ,which could affect the mother’s health or influence clotting.
Given these uncertainties, medical reviewers often call for caution. For example, the lactation‑safety database warns that no firm conclusion can be drawn about chamomile’s safety for nursing infants, recommending that galactagogues (substances believed to boost milk supply) should not replace conventional, proven lactation support ,such as frequent feeding, proper hydration, and good nutrition.
Possible Benefits of Chamomile Tea While Nursing
Even though evidence remains limited, chamomile tea may offer gentle benefits for nursing mothers , especially when used moderately.
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Relaxation & Stress Relief:
Chamomile has long served as a calming tea. Reducing maternal stress may indirectly support milk let‑down and emotional wellness. The government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists chamomile among herbs that, at typical tea doses, are “possibly safe.”
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Gentle Relief for Digestion or Discomfort:
Some older animal studies found that it may help control diarrhea and prevent stomach ulcers. Despite these findings, more human research is needed to confirm chamomile’s role in digestion.
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Hydration Without Caffeine:
Since chamomile tea contains no caffeine, it offers a hydrating alternative to caffeinated drinks. Hydration remains critical for lactation.
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Relieves anxiety and depression:
There is some evidence that chamomile may reduce the severity of anxiety and depression, but this is mostly based on using it as aromatherapy or taking it as a supplement. Thus, when combined with a balanced diet, good hydration, and healthy habits, chamomile tea may serve as a gentle self‑care ritual for some nursing moms.
How to Use Chamomile Tea Safely While Breastfeeding
If you decide to try chamomile tea while nursing, consider the following guidelines to reduce risk and maximize benefit:
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Start with 1 cup per day. Many sources recommend limiting intake to one light infusion daily.
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Choose good-quality, reputable tea. Avoid loose-leaf teas from unknown sources; some have been found contaminated with spores.x
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Watch for allergies. If you or your baby shows any sign of rash, rash around the mouth, breathing issues, excessive fussiness — stop drinking and consult your doctor. Chamomile can trigger allergic or sensitizing reactions.
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Be cautious if you take medications. If you use anticoagulants, sedatives, or other liver‑metabolized drugs, check with a healthcare provider before using chamomile regularly.
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Don’t rely on chamomile as a “milk booster.” While some herbal‑tea traditions claim chamomile increases milk supply, scientific evidence does not confirm this. Experts advise prioritizing proven lactation practices like frequent feeding and good nutrition.
Real-Life Considerations on Chamomile tea and Breastfeeding & What Experts Recommend
Because of limited evidence, many lactation consultants and pediatric resources take a cautious stance. For example:
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The authoritative lactation‑safety database (LactMed) notes that although chamomile is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) when used as food, “no data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants.”
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Some reviewers mention risks of contamination (e.g. botulism spores) or allergic sensitization — especially in people prone to plant‑allergies.
Therefore, if you choose to enjoy chamomile tea during breastfeeding, consider treating it as a gentle treat — not a guaranteed wellness magic.
Suggested Recipes & Rituals for Nursing Moms
Here are a few gentle and mindful ways to incorporate chamomile tea → if you and your baby tolerate it:
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Evening Chamomile Tea Ritual: Brew 1 cup of chamomile tea after baby’s last feed. Sip slowly while you wind down.
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Chamomile + Warm Milk Latte (Caffeine-free): Steep a light chamomile tea and add warm milk (or plant milk) for a soothing bedtime drink.
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Chamomile Iced Tea (Hydrating Summer Option): Brew tea, cool it well, add a dash of citrus or honey (if baby is old enough), and enjoy a refreshing, caffeine-free hydration option.
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Quiet “Mom Time” Moment: Use your tea time as a short self-care ritual → breathe deeply, rest when possible, and relax.
Recent/Relevant Evidence & Reviews on Chamomile Tea and Breastfeeding
Reference -Drugs.com → “Chamomile use while Breastfeeding” →
States that chamomile is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” when used as a food/tea flavor. However, it also clearly notes that “no data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants”. It warns about rare allergic sensitization and potential contamination (e.g. botulism spores in loose‑leaf tea), advising caution and moderation.
Reference – LactMed (via NCBI Bookshelf) ; “Chamomile” →
“Chamomile” Confirms that although chamomile is widely used and sometimes considered a galactagogue, there is no high-quality clinical trial to support that use. It records no reliable data on chamomile levels in breastmilk nor on effects in infants. Thus, it emphasizes that herbal “boosters” should not replace standard lactation support (good nutrition, regular feeding, hydration).
Reference – Case Report “Chamomile reveals to be a potent galactagogue” (2016) →
Documents a single woman who experienced increased milk production a few hours after drinking chamomile infusion. While interesting, the authors note this is the first such report and they call for more research, underlining that this does not count as robust evidence.
Reference – DrLact →Chamomile Tea Safety Analysis (2025)
Rates chamomile tea as “mostly safe” during lactation when consumed in typical amounts (e.g. a standard cup of tea). However, it cautions that this assessment applies only to normal dosage. Overconsumption or use of strong extracts may carry risk.
Reference – Review “The Efficacy and Safety of Using Chamomile Products During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period”
Reviews multiple uses of chamomile in postpartum period (though not exclusively breastfeeding). It notes limited and weak-quality evidence regarding both benefits (e.g. for sleep or relaxation) and safety. The authors call for more rigorous studies before making strong recommendations.
Final Thoughts: Chamomile Tea and Breastfeeding — A Balanced View
Chamomile tea may offer gentle comfort, hydration, and a calming ritual for nursing mothers. Yet, because rigorous studies are lacking, especially around how chamomile affects breastmilk or infants, it can’t guaranteed 100% safe for everyone.
Accordingly, treat chamomile tea as a personal choice that requires mindfulness. If you try it: go slowly, monitor for reactions, stay hydrated, and uphold proven breastfeeding best‑practices.
Ultimately, if you remain cautious, informed, and responsive to your baby’s signals, you can decide whether chamomile tea and breastfeeding fit your journey.
As always, when unsure, speak with a trusted doctor, lactation consultant, or pediatrician.
