Thank you, Mothers

Happy Mother’s Day, Char mums!

We all are acutely aware that there are few, if any, experiences available to a human being as rewarding and challenging as parenthood, and this tends to be intensified for mothers in both respects. So, it is only fitting that mums and aspiring mums be celebrated and supported by one of the world’s most comforting and trusted beverages: tea! In this article, we will talk through teas that are favourites in aiding mums throughout their parenting journey.

Conception

It all has to start somewhere. You’ve had the talks, saved a few bob, you’ve looked up the supplements, you’ve started the diet and lifestyle, you’re on track. How can tea help with this bit?

Raspberry leaf tea, of late third-trimester fame, is actually extremely beneficial in toning the uterus, strengthening the uterine lining, and providing your body with necessary goodness such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E. Incorporate this in addition to your other preparatory lifestyle changes to support conception sip by sip, but do not continue drinking it beyond that positive test.

Nettles are absolutely astonishing – the more we learn about nettle tea, the more we fall in love with this humble little plant. Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this tea is a marvellous addition to your routine when trying to be at your optimal, which can only benefit anyone else who comes along! Gentlemen, you can enjoy this too!

Green and white teas are high in antioxidants, which studies indicate may improve sperm concentration and motility. It also protects the ovum against oxidative stress. Enjoy in moderation (i.e. 1-2 cups daily), as high volumes of caffeine and catechins found in green tea can have a negative effect on folate absorption which is important at this stage of your parenting journey.

It's positive!

Congratulations! Now begins your battle through the thickets of “can I drink this?” but fear not – Char is on hand to guide you, mum! Unfortunately, your little stowaway still doesn’t like caffeine as they need all the folate they can get while they set about growing a nice healthy brain, so you still will need to keep in the habit of reaching for the other tins/pouches except for the odd ‘go on, then’ green or black tea. You may wish to swap out your usual caffeinated tea for a rooibos tea, which can be enjoyed with or without milk, meaning you can avoid drawing unwanted attention to routine changes in that first trimester if that is your wish. You should also avoid uterine stimulants such as raspberry leaf, chamomile, and liquorice. There are many teas you can still enjoy, but moderation is key!

During pregnancy, particularly at the beginning, you may likely feel nauseous. Herbal teas that are particularly good for tackling this are ginger and lemon, peppermint, or fennel. However, you should limit these to one or two cups per day to be on the safe side, as research into pregnancy-safe consumption levels is unfortunately sparse. 

Third trimester

In the home stretch, it is all about preparing your body for the Big Day. Between 32 and 36 weeks, you can start introducing raspberry leaf back into your routine to tone the uterus – as always, it is best to consult your GP or midwife as they will be familiar with your pregnancy – by starting with 1 cup per day, then working your way up to 2-3 cups.

Although it is also a uterine stimulant, it is generally advised to continue avoiding chamomile as there are reports of circulation issues in babies, and preterm labour.

As nausea is reintroduced into your day to day, you may wish to revisit the tried-and-tested nausea-busting teas from the first trimester.

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

They’re here! While you navigate your new life together, being able to pause a moment with a warm beverage becomes a luxury and a sanity-saver. With this guide, you can recharge knowing you are supporting your own recovery by replenishing nutrients (and, if you choose to breastfeed, helping your baby’s digestive health) with each cup!

One of the top priorities for your body postpartum is iron – teas that support this include our old pal nettle tea, as well as dandelion tea. Both of which are deemed safe to consume while breastfeeding!

For supporting the body’s adjustment postpartum, raspberry leaf once again is the Most Valuable Player, and chamomile is finally a friend once again on hand to support your uterus toning back to its previous size whilst having a calming effect and potentially soothing colicky babies.

For supporting your milk supply, you can use fennel, which will also help your little one’s digestion. However, you should avoid peppermint unless you are trying to decrease your milk supply.

Beyond the first year

You’ve gotten through it, and you’re forever changed. The two lines on the strip is now grabbing your earrings, your personal self-appointed chaotic surface swiper and they’re eating…oh gosh, what is that they’re eating?!

Energy is a necessity, and now they’re weaning off, you can enjoy your caffeinated tea again guilt-free, and you deserve it. After all, the makeup of tea means that the caffeine absorption is steadier than coffee, so you don’t suffer the same anxious high and drastic energy crash as with coffee. Whether you are enjoying a matcha, mate, green tea, oolong, pu erh, or black tea, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your journey to motherhood has also been an education in how to best navigate the tea shop shelves to suit your body’s needs. We guarantee, though, you will not be resting for very long if your little one has any say in it!

Mothers, we salute you.