Breastfeeding is a deeply nourishing practice—not just for your baby, but for you as well. It’s a time of connection, love, and bonding, yet it can also be physically demanding and emotionally exhausting. To support this journey, herbal allies have been used for centuries to promote milk supply, balance emotions, and replenish essential nutrients.

I had a rough start to my first breastfeeding journey as I, like many, dealt with nipple soreness and cracking, mastitis, and latch issues. As many approach their breastfeeding journey, they often seem to worry more about supply than anything else—but the reality may be that women need just as much support in easing tension, stress, and the challenging emotions that come with this amazing, yet overwhelming, period in their life. That was my experience, anyways. So amidst my rising tension and discomfort, I put my herbalist hat on and came up with a relaxing breastfeeding blend to not only have an affect on my milk supply, but to ultimately help bring more balance to my overall body and emotions so I could better show up for my baby and feel more grounded in myself and the crazy journey I had embarked on.

This DIY Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea is designed to help new mothers feel more at ease, encourage gentle lactation support, and create a moment of self-care in the postpartum period. It’s a nutritive, comforting, and healing blend, crafted with nature’s best ingredients to soothe digestion, relieve stress, and nourish both mom and baby.

Why These Ingredients?

I have found that there is power to blending herbs instead of taking a standalone herb as herbal blends have a more synergistic effect on the mind, body, and the system or intention being addressed. In my background in Ayurvedic herbalism, we have found that blends or thoughtfully crafted formulas are preferred as the various herbs bring in balancing, supportive, digestive, and even antagonistic properties to aid the chief herb/herbs (which is often the primary intent of the formula), and thus have an overall more harmonizing effect on the whole being—also making it more likely to address the root imbalance verses simply mask a symptom. This Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea is thoughtfully blended with six powerhouse herbs that work synergistically to support lactation, rejuvenate the body after birth, aid digestion, and ultimately soothe and balance the nervous system so you feel more grounded and at peace on all levels:

• Blessed Thistle – A Galactagogue & Circulatory Support
  • A well-known herb in the world of lactation, blessed thistle has been traditionally used to stimulate milk flow while also improving circulation. It’s often paired with other galactagogues like fennel and nettle for enhanced effectiveness. Additionally, it can help strengthen digestion, which is important for nutrient absorption postpartum.
• Nettle – A Nutrient Powerhouse for Postpartum Recovery
  • Nettle is a deeply nourishing herb, rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K—all essential for postpartum healing. It helps rebuild strength, replenish lost minerals, and gently supports lactation without overstimulating milk supply. Nettle also helps balance energy levels, making it a must-have for tired moms.
• Lemon Balm – The Stress-Relief Superstar
  • This bright, lemony herb is a natural mood-lifter, known for reducing stress, anxiety, and mental overwhelm. It has mild sedative properties, making it ideal for sleep-deprived moms who need a gentle way to unwind. Additionally, lemon balm supports digestion, which can help both mother and baby feel more comfortable after feeding sessions.
• Chamomile – A Nervous System Soother
  • Chamomile is a classic calming herb, perfect for relaxing the nervous system, improving digestion, and promoting restful sleep. It’s gentle yet effective, making it safe for both mom and baby. Its anti-inflammatory properties also support postpartum healing and relaxation.
• Catnip – A Gentle Sedative for Mother & Baby
  • While commonly known as a favorite of cats, catnip is actually a mild relaxant for humans. It helps reduce anxiety, relieve tension, and support deeper rest. For breastfeeding moms, this means better sleep and a calmer nervous system—both essential for milk production. It also has mild digestive benefits, further soothing the stomach.
• Fennel Seeds – A Digestive & Lactation Booster
  • Fennel seeds are a dual-purpose powerhouse—they support milk supply while also preventing colic and gas in babies. By helping digestion, they ease bloating and discomfort for both mom and baby, making breastfeeding a smoother experience. The mildly sweet and licorice-like flavor also adds a lovely taste to the tea.

How to Make This Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea in Bulk

When I plan to implement a new tea ritual overtime, I personally prefer to make my tea blends in bulk—instead of mixing herbs each time to make one cup of tea. The amounts I’ve provided below nearly fill up a quart-size glass jar, and depending on how strong you prefer your tea, it should make between 15-20 servings. (When I was preparing this blend for my upcoming postpartum journey, I doubled this batch and it nearly filled a 2-quart jar—and I’m hoping it’ll get me through the first month of postpartum).

If you want to make one cup at a time, follow the “parts” and adjust amounts to make just a single serving—for example, 2 parts would equate to about 1 tsp, 1 part to ½ tsp, etc.

In a large bowl, mix together these proportions or amounts of herbs:

• 2 part blessed thistle (1/2 cup)
• 1 part dried nettle (1/4 cup)
• 1 part lemon balm (1/4 cup)
• 1 part chamomile flowers (1/4 cup)
• 1 part catnip (1/4 cup)
• ½ part fennel seeds (2 tbsp)

Mix well, and scoop into a jar with a tightly sealing lid.

To Enjoy One Cup:

1. Bring about 1 1/2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
2. Add in 1-2 tbsp of the relaxing breastfeeding tea blend and steep for 7-10 minutes. For convenience, it’s best to use a mesh reusable tea bag, tea ball, or strainer.
3. Strain and sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
4. Enjoy warm for a cozy ritual any time of the day!

To Make a Bulk Batch:

1. Bring 6-8 cups of water to a gentle boil.
2. Add 5-6 tbsp of the relaxing breastfeeding tea blend to the hot water and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain over large glass pitcher or jar (preferably one with a sealable lid).
3. Let cool. Store in fridge for 3-4 days.
4. Can enjoy chilled, or re-heat one serving at a time, adding honey or sweetener to taste.

Of course, please feel free to modify as need. If you don’t want to buy all these herbs in bulk, just pick 3-4 that resonate with you based on their description and intention. Or if you know of other breastfeeding safe and supportive herbs that I have not mentioned, feel free to intentionally incorporate them in your relaxing breastfeeding tea blends. All I know is what has worked and felt balancing to me and other woman I have supported on their postpartum —always remember that you are uniquely you and should always follow your gut when bringing new herbs and remedies into your routines.

Sipping Tips: When & How to Enjoy Your Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea

• Morning & Afternoon Energy Balancer: Drink a cup in the morning or early afternoon to gently warm and rejuvenate your body while keeping stress levels low. Nettle and fennel provide natural nutrients that help fight fatigue and maintain hydration.
• Before Bed for Relaxation and Restful Sleep: I primarily include this blend in my evening ritual, often enjoying 1-2 cups following dinner and into the evening to help wind down after a long day of nursing and prepare me for better sleep. Chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip work together to relax the nervous system and encourage deeper rest.
• With Nursing Sessions: Sipping this tea during or after breastfeeding can help with digestion for both mom and baby, reducing bloating, gas, or discomfort that may come from feedings. Fennel, lemon balm, and chamomile make this an ideal postpartum digestive remedy.
• Daily Hydration Support: New moms need extra fluids to support milk production. In addition to the recommended daily cups of water, aim to enjoy 2-3 cups per day for consistent hydration, nourishment, milk supply support, and stress relief. Make a large batch (see instruections above) to get you through the day or even make enough for a few days so that it’s easy to warm up and enjoy often.

A Cup of Comfort for Every Mama

Postpartum is a journey. Some gracefully fly right through it, and others need a little more support. While I wish I could promise to eliminate all the postpartum blues or struggles, what I can do is provide this simple, soothing tea blend to be an ally for the breastfeeding and postpartum voyage ahead. Remember that recovery and breastfeeding require deep nourishment, rest, and emotional support. This Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea can be one helpful piece to your postpartum self-care and rejuvenation puzzle, all while gently boosting milk supply, providing essential minerals, and calming the nervous system.

Make your tea routine a ritual as the simple act of sipping something warm can be a small, sacred moment in your busy day—a time to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and your new baby. So whether you’re enjoying it during quiet nursing sessions, as part of your morning routine, or as a soothing bedtime drink, let this tea be a gentle, herbal hug just when you need it most.

Sip, relax, and nourish—one cup at a time. 💛

For more naturally-minded recipes and pregnancy/postpartum wisdom and tips, check out these other articles:

• Nourish & Nurture: A DIY Relaxing Breastfeeding Tea for Lactation, Rejuvenation & Calm
• The Ultimate Labor-Ade: A Soothing, Hydrating Herbal Drink for Labor Preparation and Labor
• Empowered Birth Prep: A Natural Mama’s Guide to Easing Labor from 37 Weeks Onward
• DIY Non-Toxic Postpartum Padsickles: Soothe, Heal & Recover Naturally
• The Ultimate Postpartum Survival Guide for Natural Mamas: Essentials, Healing Tips & Holistic Care