Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: how to naturally relieve your baby’s colic?

Colic in your infant can be difficult to understand and soothe. Anti-colic herbal teas may be a natural solution to help relieve it. But how do they actually work, are they safe during breastfeeding, and what alternatives can be considered?

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: let’s take a closer look.

Understanding colic in breastfed infants

Colic in breastfed infants is not systematic, as breast milk is perfectly digestible. Here are the symptoms to recognize and the risk factors in infants.

Typical symptoms of infant colic

Colic mainly appears as intense, inconsolable crying at any time of the day. These are episodes during which your baby may show the following signs:

• prolonged crying, often more than 2 to 3 hours a day, difficult to calm,
• a bloated abdomen, sometimes firm to the touch,
• frequent gas,
• facial flushing during episodes,
• clenched fists and legs stretched out or pulled toward the abdomen,
• recurrent episodes despite normal feeding and bowel movements.

Good to know: colic is different from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or constipation, and your baby maintains normal growth and digestion.

Risk factors for infant colic

Here are the main explanations for colic in infants:

• Immaturity of the digestive system: your infant’s digestive system, still developing, may react with spasms or abdominal pain, especially during digestion.
• Swallowing air: during feeding or crying, your baby may swallow air, increasing bloating and digestive discomfort.
• An increased gastrocolic reflex: after feeding, intestinal movements accelerate, which can cause temporary stomach and intestinal pain.

Your baby may also feel discomfort during feeding if the milk flows too quickly, a phenomenon known as a strong let-down reflex (SLR). This heavy flow can lead to the ingestion of a large amount of milk and air, potentially causing digestive discomfort.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: how does it work?

Your milk is excellent for your baby, regardless of what you eat. Most of the time, what you eat does not affect your baby’s digestion. Anti-colic herbal teas rely on the gentle, natural action of plants, whose active compounds may, in very small amounts, be passed to your infant through breast milk, potentially helping to ease colic-related symptoms.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: how it acts on colic

When you drink an anti-colic herbal tea, plant compounds pass in small amounts into your breast milk. These natural components may then help support your infant’s digestion and soothe intestinal discomfort, with potential effects such as:

• Reducing gas and bloating : some plants promote gas expulsion, limiting bloating and discomfort in your baby.
• Antispasmodic effect : certain plants contain substances that relax stomach and intestinal muscles, reducing painful spasms responsible for colic.
• Gentle stimulation of bowel movements : other plants are known to stimulate intestinal transit, helping prevent the buildup of gas or toxins.
• Overall soothing effect : some infusions have a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, promoting better relaxation for you and indirectly for your baby.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: main plants used

Anti-colic herbal teas are made from plants known for their digestive and soothing properties. Here are the main plants commonly found in infusions for breastfeeding mothers:

• Fennel : it may help reduce bloating and intestinal gas. Note: although long recommended for breastfeeding women, recent findings about its high estragole content now contraindicate its use.
• Chamomile : with its calming properties, it may soothe intestinal spasms and promote digestive relaxation.
• Green anise : it may support digestion and offer benefits similar to fennel, particularly for relieving gas and stimulating bowel movements.
• Lemon balm : this mild, slightly lemony aromatic plant may calm digestive tension and promote relaxation.
• Verbena : thanks to its soothing properties, it may help calm digestive discomfort while providing a relaxing effect.
• Peppermint : it may support digestive comfort and reduce spasms (but may decrease milk supply).

Linden, orange blossom, licorice, thyme, rosemary, sage, and ginger may also be included in some medicinal or digestive herbal blends.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: precautions

Anti-colic herbal tea appeals to many mothers looking to relieve their baby’s colic naturally. However, even herbal infusions, known for their digestive benefits, require certain precautions during breastfeeding. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy their benefits while keeping your baby safe.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: compounds to watch

Some plants used in anti-colic herbal teas contain substances such as estragole and anethole. These active compounds are naturally present in seeds and give herbal teas their digestive and carminative properties, helping expel intestinal gas:

• Estragole : at high doses and over long periods, this molecule is suspected of having toxic and carcinogenic potential. Recent research therefore recommends limiting the consumption of fennel or anise herbal teas in breastfeeding women, especially in concentrated or prolonged use.
• Licorice : sometimes present in blends, it may have hypertensive effects and is not recommended in large quantities.
• Peppermint, sage, or thyme : use in moderation, as some components may, at high doses, affect milk production or the infant’s well-being.

Anti-colic herbal tea and breastfeeding: advice from healthcare professionals

Even though anti-colic herbal tea is a gentle remedy during breastfeeding, it is strongly recommended to seek advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or midwife before starting a regimen, especially if you plan to drink several cups a day or over several weeks. Here are some recommendations:

• Favor variety : alternate plants to limit exposure to a specific compound and avoid overusing concentrated decoctions.
• Follow dosage guidelines : 1 to 2 cups per day, using one teaspoon of dried herbs per cup.
• Avoid “stimulating” herbal teas in high doses : they may disrupt lactation or your baby’s sleep.
• Monitor stools : consult a professional if your baby has persistent green stools.
• Report any adverse effects : if your baby shows unusual digestive issues, increased crying, or skin reactions, speak promptly with your healthcare professional.
• Check the instructions : even for medicinal herbal teas, review the manufacturer’s recommendations and the exact composition of the blend.

Natural alternatives to relieve colic

There are other natural methods to try to relieve your baby’s colic.

Massage and babywearing

Belly massage is a gentle and effective technique to help your baby digest better and release gas responsible for bloating and intestinal pain. Here are some recommended techniques:

• Massage : lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface. Using your fingers, gently massage in circles around the navel, always clockwise. Focus more on the path of the large intestine to help move gas toward elimination. This movement can also be reproduced on your infant’s feet, using gentle reflexology-inspired techniques.
• Pedaling motion : gently hold your baby’s legs and bend them one at a time toward their belly, mimicking a pedaling motion. Repeat this movement 4 to 5 times to relieve abdominal tension.
• Babywearing : whether in a sling, in a physiological tummy-to-tummy position, or simply in your arms, contact and warmth soothe your child. A small warm compress placed on the belly can complement these actions to relax your baby’s abdomen.

Your diet and lifestyle

Your diet and certain daily habits play a key role in limiting colic in breastfed infants:

• A balanced and varied diet : prioritize a diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, and stay well hydrated. Avoid certain foods : some babies seem more sensitive when the mother consumes dairy products, very spicy foods, cabbage, legumes, or carbonated drinks. If you notice a correlation, try limiting them temporarily and observe any changes.
• Take your time during feeding: take breaks to allow your baby to burp, which limits air intake and reduces the risk of bloating. Feeding sessions should also be long enough so your baby doesn’t only receive the foremilk, which is very rich in lactose.
• Create a calm environment : establish a peaceful atmosphere during meals and care routines with soft lighting or gentle music. Stress and agitation can affect your baby, who is highly sensitive to emotions.
• Skin-to-skin and cuddles : close contact, skin-to-skin time, and regular cuddling help reassure and relax your baby, promoting better digestive comfort.

In summary, colic in breastfed infants, although common and often unsettling, is generally mild and temporary. Anti-colic herbal teas can be an interesting natural support, provided they are used with caution and in accordance with healthcare professionals’ recommendations.

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Photo credits: titovailona | Tirachard | MaplesImages | YuriArcursPeopleimages

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.