World Breastfeeding Week: How Rooibos Can Support Breastfeeding Moms Naturally

Laager Rooibos partner dietitian shares top tips, benefits, and recipes for breastfeeding mothers

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (1 to 7 August), Specialist Dietitian and Laager Rooibos partner, Mbali Mapholi, has highlighted the importance of supporting mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey. While breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial ways to nourish a baby, it also places significant nutritional and hydration requirements on mothers.

Mbali says that breastfeeding mothers require additional calories, nutrients, and fluids to support their own health and their baby’s development: “For moms who choose to and can, breastfeeding is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. However, it is a big job for your body. When you are nursing, your body needs an extra 500 to 700 calories a day, more vitamins and minerals, and plenty of hydration to keep things running smoothly.”

She says while many mothers look to specialised supplements and herbs to support breastfeeding, one simple addition can offer meaningful benefits: “There are many ways to support your milk supply and help your body recover after birth. One of the recommendations I give breastfeeding Moms is to add Laager Rooibos tea to their daily routine as a natural, caffeine-free and healthy way to support hydration and boost nutrition.”

How Rooibos Supports Breastfeeding Mothers

Although rooibos is not a medication or galactagogue (helping to stimulate lactation), it can help create the ideal environment for breastfeeding in three important ways.

1.       Supporting Hydration

Breast milk is made up largely of water, meaning hydration plays a critical role in maintaining milk production. Unlike caffeinated beverages, Laager Rooibos supports hydration without contributing to fluid loss, making it an ideal beverage choice throughout the day.

“If you don’t drink enough fluids, your body can struggle to produce a full milk supply,” says Mbali. “Because Laager Rooibos tastes great and is naturally caffeine-free, it can help mothers reach the recommended daily fluid intake of around three litres.”

2.       Helping the Body Recover Naturally

The post-partum period is physically demanding, and recovery requires adequate nutrition and rest. “Laager Rooibos contains unique antioxidants that help the body combat oxidative stress and support recovery after birth,” explains Mbali. “These compounds help mothers feel stronger and better equipped to care for their newborns.”

3.       Creating a Calm Environment for Feeding

Mbali notes that successful breastfeeding is about more than nutrition – it’s also about creating the right environment: “The milk let-down reflex is closely linked to oxytocin, often referred to as the feel-good hormone. When a mother feels calm and relaxed, milk flows more easily. Stress and anxiety can have the opposite effect.”

She says creating simple daily rituals can encourage relaxation: “Something as simple as taking a few minutes to sit quietly with a warm cup of Laager Rooibos before feeding can help the body switch into a more relaxed state. These small moments of self-care can make a meaningful difference.”

Easy Rooibos Recipes for Breastfeeding Moms

1.       Laager Rooibos Latte

Ingredients

·         2 Laager Rooibos teabags

·         200ml boiling water

·         100ml warm milk

·         ½ teaspoon cinnamon

·         1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method

·         Steep the teabags in boiling water for five to seven minutes.

·         Remove the bags, stir in cinnamon and honey if desired, and top with warm milk.

·         Enjoy approximately 15 minutes before breastfeeding or pumping.

2.       Refreshing Laager Rooibos Citrus Cooler

Ingredients

·         3 Laager Rooibos teabags

·         500ml boiling water

·         500ml cold water

·         Half a lemon, sliced

·         Half an orange, sliced

·         3 to 4 mint leaves

·         A small pinch of salt

·         1 to 2 tablespoons honey or sugar

Method

·         Brew the Laager Rooibos tea and allow it to cool.

·         Combine with cold water, citrus slices, mint and a pinch of salt.

·         Refrigerate and enjoy throughout the day as a refreshing hydration boost.

3.       Laager Rooibos and Date Loaf

Ingredients

·         1 cup chopped dates

·         1 cup strong Laager Rooibos tea

·         2 tablespoons butter or canola oil

·         ½ cup sugar

·         1 beaten egg

·         1½ cups self-raising flour

·         3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

·         ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method

·         Preheat the oven to 180°C.

·         Pour hot Laager Rooibos tea over the dates and butter and allow to stand for 10 minutes.

·         Stir in sugar and egg, then fold in flour and brewer’s yeast.

·         Add nuts if desired.

·         Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.

Laager Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free beverage with numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, cardiovascular support, and potential benefits for blood sugar management and allergies. Laager is the only Rooibos teabag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation South Africa and caters for the whole family with Pure Rooibos and flavoured Rooibos options, along with a dedicated children’s range under the Laager Tea4Kidz brand.

“While Laager Rooibos can be a valuable addition to a healthy breastfeeding routine, it is important to remember that every mother’s journey is unique,” concludes Mbali. “If you have concerns about milk supply, your baby’s growth, or your emotional well-being, always consult a healthcare professional or lactation expert.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       Is Rooibos tea safe to drink while breastfeeding?

Yes. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and can be safely enjoyed by breastfeeding mothers as part of a balanced diet. It can also contribute towards daily fluid intake, which is important for maintaining hydration while nursing.

2.       Can Rooibos tea increase breast milk supply?

Rooibos is not a direct milk-production supplement, but it may support breastfeeding by helping mothers stay hydrated and relaxed, both of which are important factors for healthy milk production and flow.

3.       Which brands does Joekels make?

Joekels produces and distributes a range of popular South African beverage brands, including Laager Rooibos, Tetley, Tea4Kidz, Tea Time, and Society Coffee, offering consumers a variety of options to suit different tastes, lifestyles, and wellness needs.

Keep Updated on Laager Rooibos Tips and Recipes

·         Visit www.joekels.co.za

·         Follow @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram

Laager Rooibos can be purchased from all major supermarkets, as well as online at www.joekels.co.za