There is something truly special about caring for a newborn baby. Every feed, cuddle, and sleepy moment feels important. It is a time full of new things and small joys, but with all the changes, it can be easy to forget about yourself. Sr. Amber Buyl from Netcare Birthwise reminds nursing mothers that while your baby needs you, you also need to take care of your own body and mind.
Many moms focus so much on their baby that they don’t think about their own needs. However, the truth is that your well-being matters just as much. Eating healthy food, drinking water, getting enough rest, and taking quiet moments are all essential. These small things help you feel good and give you energy.
When you feel calm, assertive, and rested, it is easier to enjoy the little moments with your baby. Even when things get messy or tiring, it helps to feel steady inside. That starts with caring for yourself each day in simple ways.
Taking care of your baby begins with taking care of you, and a healthy tea option is a good starting point.


Rooibos has many benefits for breastfeeding
Rooibos is a natural, caffeine-free tea made from a South African plant. Caffeine can be passed onto the baby during breastfeeding, resulting in sleepless nights, so Rooibos-based alternatives are a win for nursing mothers. It’s gentle on your body and packed with polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells and support your health. For breastfeeding moms, Rooibos may help improve milk flow and support milk production, thanks to these plant compounds. [1]
It also helps boost the immune system, which means extra support for both you and your baby. Enjoying a few cups each day is a simple, soothing way (whether enjoyed hot or cold) to care for yourself while giving your baby even more goodness. [1]
How to select the right Rooibos tea
Not all herbal teas and Rooibos infusions are safe or beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
One incredible Rooibos blend is the Carmién Nursing Tea. It is known for its high-quality, nourishing, functional ingredients that support lactation. This tea contains ingredients like Fenugreek, Fennel, and Aniseed, each selected for its benefits.
- Fenugreek is a known ingredient to naturally boost milk production.
- Fennel can support lactation, ease colic in babies, and may help relieve heartburn, bloating, and flatulence for moms.
- Aniseed may contribute to better digestion and support milk flow.
- A touch of vanilla elevates the taste of this unique blend of ingredients.
Carmién Nursing Tea comes in compostable pillow tea bags that offer a high-quality brew, also supporting a sustainable future for the next generation.
As a Rooibos-based blend, you can enjoy additional health benefits linked with this South African gem. One of the most potent antioxidants in Rooibos tea is aspalathin, which plays a role in blood sugar regulation.[3] Aspalathin works by:
- Possibly reducing excessive fat production;
- Helping improve the body’s ability to absorb glucose into the muscles and
- Helping to regulate the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas.
Because Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, it supports stress relief and overall relaxation. This can directly enhance overall sleep quality, a much-needed benefit during the sleep-deprived postpartum period. [1]
The tea contains low amounts of tannin, which means it’s gentle on your digestive system, improves nutritional absorption, and supports hydration. [2]
For post-partum moms, there is one additional bonus: Rooibos tea may assist with weight management. With its low-calorie content and ability to help regulate fat metabolism and appetite, it can be a helpful addition to a balanced postpartum routine. [1] & [2]
How to enjoy Rooibos tea
To experience the full benefits, we suggest you have four to six cups daily.
- You can drink it hot or cold.
- When drinking it cold, leave the tea bag in for longer, or pour over ice for a refreshing alternative.
The postpartum period can be overwhelming, but small intentional choices can make a big difference to mom and baby.
Disclaimer: Carmién Nursing Tea should not be consumed while pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider about the safety of any herbal tea. Please note that the effects may vary depending on the individual.
References:
- Afrifa, D., Engelbrecht, L., Eijnde, B. O., & Terblanche, E. (2023). The health benefits of rooibos tea in humans (Aspalathus linearis). A Scoping Review. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 14(12), 2784. https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2784
- Bond TJ, Derbyshire EJ (2020). Rooibos Tea and Health: A Systematic Review of the Evidence from the Last Two Decades. Nutr Food Technol Open Access 6(1): dx.doi.org/10.16966/2470-6086.166 Copyright: © 2020 Bond TJ, et al.
- Muller, C. J. F., Joubert, E., Chellan, N., Miura, Y., & Yagasaki, K. (2021). New Insights into the Efficacy of Aspalathin and Other Related Phytochemicals in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(1), 356. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010356
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