Just Making Noise

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Pregnancy Notes: Mama’s Rich Milk Tea {recipe}

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First, I must apologize for totally dropping the ball with my Pregnancy Notes Series.

I hope you won’t hold it against me.

I am human, with 4 little humans to care for and a life in the mission field.

Moving on… 

So, here we are and I would like to start again by sharing another favorite tea. A ‘must-have’ for every mama who is planning to nurse or already nursing!

This special tea mixture is amazing! I couldn’t believe how much milk I was producing with no painful engorgement when my milk first came in after drinking it.

This stuff is good!

Yes, my breasts still felt tight and tender, but it wasn’t painful and I wasn’t uncomfortable. Just make sure you have a bra that fits comfortably, I didn’t with my 4th baby and I was uncomfortable for the first couple days! Live and learn!


This is another tea recipe (have you tried the Super Happy Belly Tea?) I got from my midwife in Costa Rica… I know, this gal is amazing and very good at what she does. I’ve learn so much from her (Thanks Uva!).
She had me drink a ton of this tea for 3 days… basically a ½ gallon of it each day. I loved it like iced tea with raw honey.

1 1/2 gallons of tea in 3 days?! I know that’s a lot, but I saw and felt amazing results from drinking it! From then on I had plenty of milk for Tabitha and didn’t even have to drink anymore of it throughout my time of nursing Tabi.
My nursing experience with Naomi (my first) was not the same. I had a challenging start and felt like I wasn’t producing enough milk for her.

I guess that happens with almost all first-time Mamas, right?

But it doesn’t have to be like that!
I loved nursing Naomi, but struggled with feeling like I wasn’t giving enough. I bought tea made for nursing moms, but didn’t really noticed a big difference… thankfully, I had the option of buying fresh goat’s milk to supplement with when she was around 6 months old. and still was able to nurse her until she weaned off around 18 months. She was a happy, chubby & thriving baby!

But I was determined the second time around that I was going to mentally and physically prepare myself better so I can nurse Tabitha successfully.

I ate the 7 super foods as much as I could. I took all my supplements. I made sure to cast aside all thoughts of doubt through prayer (truly, nagging & doubtful thoughts can hinder your body from producing milk!).
I was thrilled to see and feel my determination paid off! The 2nd time around with Tabi was so different… I was able to nurse her exclusively until she was almost a year and went on to nurse her until she was about 18 months old.
I believe it had a lot to do with my eating better, trusting in the Lord and the Mama’s Rich Milk Tea.

I, of course, got the recipe from my midwife and you will see that it contains a lot of the same herbs in the Super Happy Belly Tea. You will also see some new herbs and seeds that are known to encourage milk production and enrich it!

I have drank this tea with my 3rd, Tobias and my 4th, Poema. Never once worried about having enough milk and I even like to make a big batch of this tea once in a while because it tastes so yummy!

In fact, I am going to go make some right now!

All About the Ingredients
Below you will learn along with me all the amazing benefits each of these herbs provide to improve the amount and quality of mama’s milk! 

  • Red Raspberry Leaf: This herb is every pregnant & nursing mama’s best herbal friend! It is the best single herb that we can take for total uterine health, which is very important before, during & after pregnancy. It is vital for your uterus to work itself back to pre-pregnancy shape after birth! There is a long list of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the uterus needs to work efficiently. Red Raspberry Leaf has basically all of them! It is filled with essential minerals and vitamins like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, E, A and B complex. It also contains easily assimilated calcium and iron. This mama’s best friend increases fertility, tones the uterus, aids in easy birthing, restores the womb after birthing, helps prevent miscarriage, reduces morning sickness, soothes muscle/leg cramps and backache, and counters fatigue. This herb is not only great for mama and baby, but for the whole family… read more here!
  • Nettle Leaf: You will find that nettle supplies amazing amounts of energy and increases the richness of mama’s milk! It is rich in chlorophyll, a significant source of vitamins A, D, C, B, and K, bio-available minerals, including huge amounts of calcium, magnesium silicon, and potassium chloride; protein, and dietary fiber. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthener to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a restorative to the hair and skin. It has the ability to increase the efficiency of liver and kidney function, which very important during pregnancy. It also helps prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and backache and reduces the incidence of hemorrhage after birth.
  • Red Clover Blossoms: This herb is valued for keeping breast milk rich and our breasts healthy! Red Clover contains chlorophyll and has been called by herbalists a “God given remedy”. These flowers are used in folk medicine as a cure for any cancerous lump or tumor and its alkaline qualities purify the blood. It is used to treat infertility and the generous amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in red clover restores health to the entire reproductive system (great for men too!). Red Clover is an excellent herbal source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Plus, it helps relieves anxiety, which can affect your milk supply!
  • Blessed Thistle: Most commonly used to enrich and increase breast milk supply… Blessed Thistle also helps lift postpartum depression and relieve suicidal feelings too! The term ‘blessed’ was applied centuries ago from its reputation as a cure all, a remedy even for the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. This plant’s curative properties were considered a gift from God! Blessed Thistle is known to help balance female hormone problems such as painful menstruation, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. It also strengthens the heart and lungs, brings oxygen to the brain & strengthens memory and brings circulation to every part of the body. In the last century, blessed thistle has received a reputation for its action on the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys. Plus, it is an excellent source of potassium and sodium.
  • Dandelion Leaf: This amazing weed enriches breast milk in nursing mothers. Dandelion is rich in many nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin A. This plant contains all the nutritive salts for the blood. It restores and balances the blood so anemia that is caused by deficiencies of these blood salts disappears. It also contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. These compounds help restore normal liver function, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile, increase the flow of urine and have a laxative effect… all very important functions that should be in good working order after pregnancy!
  • Borage: Highly respected for its ability to increase milk flow. Borage contains high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B & C and beta carotene. This flower also has very high levels of gamma linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. It is often used to boost GLA deficiencies in children as well to ensure proper growth. Borage is used to restore the adrenal glands to their natural balance, which can create a calmer body and mind. It is also well known for its soothing qualities and has been used to treat nervous conditions. Its natural sedative effects have been used for lifting the spirits and softening the nervous edge. Borage works well to ease depression and mood swings often associated with menopause and menstrual cycles.
  • Fennel Seeds & Cumin Seeds: Known to increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Fennel & Cumin not only help in milk production, but is also fantastic for colic & flatulence in small babies. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. Both help normalize the appetite, increase the flow of urine and help cleanse the liver. One of fennel’s greatest attributes is its ability to make the unpleasant taste of many herbs more tolerable.
Let’s Make Tea!
After researching all that… I am simply amazed that we have these natural resources to nourish ourself and our babies. God is awesome! Are you ready to order the herbs and make up a batch of Mama’s Rich Milk Tea?! Yeah, I thought so.

Again, I bought almost everything from Bulk Herb Store. Their quality is excellent and the prices are even better! I purchased the Borage and Cumin Seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs  because BHS does not sell these two.

Now, some of you are probably wondering why I didn’t include fenugreek seeds… my midwife said she preferred not to use them because they give a strong, somewhat unpleasant taste. She believes all the herbs and seeds listed above is more than enough to improve the flow and nutrition of Mama’s milk.


You are more than welcome to add fenugreek seeds if you believe you must have them! Use the same amount as the fennel and cumin.

If you decided to buy everything in bulk you can just mix what you need and have enough to last through your time of nursing. You will have extras of each herb, but they can be used for other things.

Second option is to simply mix everything together with only some herbs leftover. The extra you will have are simply wonderful to give away as gifts to other nursing mamas… yeah, putting this tea in a dressed up jar made wonderful gifts!

Third option is to simply order Bulk Herb Store’s already made nursing tea if making your own seems too much for you right now. Either way, you will still be getting important vitamins and minerals needed for healthy milk and baby!

4 parts Nettle Leaf
2 parts Borage
1 part Fennel Seeds
1 part Cumin Seeds

Mix everything together in a large bowl or pot. Store in airtight containers or jars in a dark, cool place.
Hot tea: add 2-3 teaspoons of the premixed herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for up to 10 minutes, cover the mug. Strain and add raw honey or stevia to taste.

Cold tea: To make a pitcher of cold tea, add 10-12 teaspoons of the premixed herbs to 8 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for a while (30 minutes up to 4 hours for maximum absorption of the vitamins & minerals), strain and add raw honey or stevia if desired. Discard the used herbs, and put the tea in the refrigerator to drink over ice or it can be reheated.

Herbal ice cubes: Pour finished and cooled Mama’s Rich Milk Tea into ice cube trays. Put in the freezer. Pop them out when frozen and put some in your glass of nursing tea for the day. I love this method because I can iced my tea using herbal ice cubes and it won’t dilute the flavors!

My midwife said to drink at least a 1/2 gallon for the first 3 days after birth and to drink it slowly throughout the day. Then drink it daily or when you feel that you need a boost for your milk.

Hope you will enjoy this tea as much as I did! Also, the links above are my affiliate links and I will earn a small commission if you decide to order the herbs through those links (no charge to you!). Thank you for reading this and supporting my family through your purchases!



Comments

  2. Hi! I’m sorry if this is obvious but I’m a little confused. Is it a 1/2 gallon a day for 3 days or a 1/2 gallon for the whole 3 days? Thanks for the awesome tea recipe. I plan on using your idea for some baby showers as well! Thank you!

    Reply

  3. I just discovered your blog and I REALLY REALLY LOVE your blog. It is very helpful and informative. I’am 6months pregnant to my first baby and I’ve been researching things about ECO MOM and. I just love every pregnancy blogs you have specially this and your cloth wipes solutions. I actually just bought all the herbs at mountainroseherbs.com. THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the information I’ve been on your blog practically all day today since its my days off. And this is my firsr time leaving a comment om blogs. Your blog is now on my BOOKMARK. God bless you and your family.

    OH BY THE WAY can I drink this DURING pregnancy and if so is it safe? or do I have to drink this after I give birth?

    -khate

    Reply

  4. Thank you. For your reply. And yes I have tried the “super happy belly tea” and IT IS DELICIOUS I LOVE IT! It is an amazing drink. You ma’am is a great helpful blogger. Keep it up!!! -khate

    Reply

  5. I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I am thinking of making myself some nursing tea as my supply has dropped a little since returning to work. I am assuming you are based in Australia. Did you have any problem importing herbs from the USA?

    Reply

  6. Hi Their,
    Thank you so much for your recipe. It has really helped me to be able to nurse my last to boys. I am pregnant again, but still nursing my 1 year old. Are these herbs safe to take during pregnancy? I am wanting to continue nursing my little guy as long as possible.
    On another note, do you know what may help me to produce milk with more fat. I have a really low fat content in my milk to the point that my babies don’t gain weight unless I supplement them with formula. I would love to not have to supplement with my next baby.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hello!
      Yes, the herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. You can make the switch to the Happy Belly tea for your pregnancy and it will still benefit your milk supply.

      Regarding increasing the fat in your milk, make sure you are eating a full fat diet. Fat does not make you fat, expecially if they are healthy fats such as raw or minimally processed whole milk and cheese, homemade broths, a few spoonfuls of coconut oil each day, olive oil, red meat, fish or cod liver oil, avocados, etc… You should be eating these food throughout your pregnancy (look up my post on foods recommended for mamas during pregnancies and after while breastfeeding!).

      Also, you can supplement with Moringa to increase the nutritional content of your breast milk as well as increase its production. I like to take Moringa during my pregnancy and breast feeding. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  7. I’m looking forward to trying this tea, hoping I can obtain all of the ingredients quickly, before my November 4 due date. Are the proportions by weight or by volume? I was just wondering since the seeds have a higher density. Also, I don’t feel good after having cumin in food, would it be advisable for me to leave it out of the tea? I also appreciated your article on homeopathics in pregnancy and labor, I’m hoping this labor is easier than my first.

    Reply

    • Hello Beth! The proportions are by volume. You can leave out the cumin if it bothers you. Be sure to drink red raspberry tea (or my super happy belly tea) before your due date along with the recommended homeopathy! Red raspberry has been noted to help ease labor and birthing. I did noticed a big difference between my first two births to my last two births. My last two were fast and easy. Now, I’m pregnant with #5 and praying for another good birth as well 🙂 Hope all goes well with your birth and baby too!!

      Reply

  8. So I just happened upon your blog today, and am excited to try your tea recipes. I may sound dumb, but what does it mean when you say 4 parts of one ingredient and 2 parts of another?

    Reply

    • Hello Krystle,
      You do not sound dumb. It is good to ask questions to make sure you know what you are doing 🙂

      When I say parts… I mean you can use a measuring spoon or cup of your choice. For example, I often use 1/4 cup to measure out my teas. When it calls for 4 parts of an ingredient, I pour the ingredient into the 1/4 cup four times. If another calls for 2 parts, I only pour in 2 times. I hope I am making sense! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Hi,

    I am 2 months postpartum and I am wanting to drink this tea for health benefits and milk supply. I drank red raspberry leaf tea during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and loved it and felt it helped me during my labor. So I am really looking forward to drinking your tea recipe. I am new to herbal teas and this would be my first time making a tea from bulk herbs. What exactly does 4 parts mean? Is it table spoons? I guess I need an “herbal teas for dummies” tutorial! 😉 Thank you for the information!

    Reply

    • Hello Trish!
      Sorry for the long delay in replying. I had my 5th baby a few days before you posted this comment and have been busy since. To answer your question… 4 parts can be 4 cups, 4 half cups or 4 Tablespoons depending on how much you want. Hope that was clear and helpful!

      Reply

  10. Wonderful recipes! Pregnant mommas and post partum moms need warm moist heat…
    Not sure if I would recommend them as iced teas or ice cubes …
    your body has to warm up whatever you consume to use it. The womb post partum responds better to warming foods

    Reply

  11. Love that you have posted this tea recipe and absolutely can not wait to make some. I do however have a question about the Borage though. At all the bulk herb shops and including the ones you listed that you purchase from, they all have a big warning for Borage, stating “Not for internal use and not for pregnant or breastfeeding mother” …? Currently opting out of that particular herb and substituting with Moringa. Do you have a recommendation on the “parts” amount I might use of Moringa? Thanks again for the awesome recipe and helpful herbal info!

    Reply

    • Hi Alexis! I love this tea myself and love the results I have received from drinking this! Totally changed the breastfeeding game for me, never had supply issues from day 1 with 4 of my kids! As for borage, don’t use it if you are not comfortable with it. Here’s a couple sites that talk about using Borage to help with breastfeeding, but do what you are comfortable doing. Like I shared in the post, my midwife gave me this recipe and has used it for 20+ years with wonderful results.

      https://www.healthychild.com/herbs-and-breastfeeding/

      http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Breastfeeding1.htm (this one explains the caution of using Borage leaf)

      Moringa is amazing and I ate lots of that during my pregnancies and afterwards. You can use however much you want with Moringa as it is highly beneficial and helps increase milk production. I would do 2-3 parts. Enjoy!!

      Reply

      • You are awesome! I sort of figured Borage was probably ok to use since your midwife seemed extremely knowledgeable about the herbs she chose for your tea concoction but definitely wanted to double check. Especially since none of the sites stated WHY it wasn’t recommended for internal use. Thank you So much for the quick response and all the info. It is greatly appreciated.

        Reply

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