Can you drink iced black tea beverages during the postpartum confinement period?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, it is acceptable to drink iced tea beverages during the postpartum recovery period, but excessive consumption is not recommended. Avoid drinking chilled iced tea, as it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort or affect lochia discharge. Iced tea contains caffeine; excessive intake may lead to insomnia and palpitations in nursing mothers and could potentially affect the baby through breast milk. Therefore, consumption should be limited to no more than one bottle per day.

Generally speaking, it is acceptable for women to drink iced tea beverages during the postpartum confinement period (sitting the month), but excessive consumption is not recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Some women may experience symptoms such as dry mouth or poor appetite after childbirth. The sweet-and-sour taste of iced tea can stimulate taste buds and help improve appetite, while its water content helps meet the body's hydration needs. If a woman recovers well after delivery, without significant abdominal pain or abnormal lochia, drinking a small amount of room-temperature iced tea one week postpartum typically does not cause adverse effects and may even help alleviate postpartum fatigue to some extent.

Avoid consuming chilled iced tea, as it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort or affecting lochia discharge. Iced tea contains caffeine; excessive intake may lead to insomnia or palpitations in nursing mothers and could potentially affect the baby through breast milk. Therefore, consumption should be limited—no more than one bottle per day. Choose products from reputable manufacturers and avoid expired or low-quality beverages. Women with a history of gestational diabetes should pay attention to the sugar content in iced tea; they are advised to opt for sugar-free versions or reduce consumption frequency, and discontinue use immediately if any discomfort occurs after drinking.