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Health ~ wellbeing

Note To Self: Tea Helps

by
The Pregnancy Pantry
Note To Self: Tea Helps

As I sit here at my desk at 6.am prepping and compiling this latest post, its dark, its dank and it is raining. Not quite the Monday morning start I had hoped for.


Although yesterday we were incredibly lucky as we headed to Moors Country Park for a day of cycling and some much needed family time as a foursome. To be honest it was exactly what we all needed after a particularly stressful week and so, armed with nothing but our bikes and a map we headed off to enjoy the tranquillity of the forest for a day of serenity and exploration.


This morning however, its back to the grind, having just kissed the husband goodbye as he heads out the door for work whilst the kiddies are still wrapped up warm snoozing in their beds. Mayhem will most definitely commence in roughly 60 minutes or so, but for now…. Its mama’s time.


If we’re confessing our sins I’m a bit of a coffee girl throughout the day ( Yes I know I know – I’m trying to ween myself off the black stuff I promise ) but I also love nothing more than curling up in bed with a good read and a cup of herbal tea to send me off to the land of nod. It has, become somewhat of a lock-down ritual in our house. Yes, we live a rock’n’roll kinda lifestyle where the husband and I now relish at the thought of heading to bed at 8.30.pm with a cup of Chai and a good read.


So, when you love tea as much as I do, you can imagine my delight when I was gifted with a gorgeous set of herbal teas from Oaka Tea last week. Just one of the perks of writing a blog on pregnancy and motherhood, which I am always eternally grateful for. Thank you, Oaka Tea!

herbal teas


They are the perfect blend, offering optimum health for us busy mums that never manage to find the time stop. (how is that cold coffee that you made over an hour ago? Still sat on the side in the kitchen?)

Oaka Tea obtain their leaves from all over the world, they are organic, they are ethically sourced, and all are free from pesticides and fertilisers. So, being a lover of tea and all things natural, I jumped at the opportunity to start brewing away


Laura Creane the founder and creator of Oaka Tea made the decision to create her own distinct blends that not only taste amazing but they’re also packed full of health benefits too, and thank goodness she did because these teas are heaven in a mug, beautifully blended and ideal to enjoy at any time throughout the day.

herbal tea, tea strainer spoon and set of keys


Their Sweet Baby G Tea is flawless in its simplicity, a natural blend of chamomile and fennel and is ideal for those long nights when you are up breastfeeding and need a warming and soothing beverage to hydrate. Chamomile is fantastic at aiding restful sleep and promoting a sense of calm. Its also been shown to ease digestive problems and soothe any tummy troubles you may have. With anything its always best to check with your health practitioner if you have any concerns on the teas to consume whilst breastfeeding. Also, if your baby is six months old, offering them a small amount of unsweetened chamomile tea on top of their milk may also help calm and relax them before bed but again I’ll stress that if you’re in any doubt please consult with your health visitor for a further guidance.

selection of teas with tea strainer
herbal tea with herbs on table

The Monty Python team once declared’ Make Tea, Not War’

Great Advice! I mean who doesn’t love a cup of tea? We are, after all a nation of tea drinks but discovering which teas are safe to drink during pregnancy and which teas should be avoided can be a minefield to navigate when all you want to do is sit back and relax.

Tea is broken down into herbal and non-herbal with the non-herbal variety including the likes of green tea and black tea and these are the ones that are made by fermenting tea leaves, meaning they contain varying amounts of caffeine. Do not be fooled by the decaf versions either, they still contain small levels of caffeine and should be enjoyed sparingly. The existing advice is that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.


During pregnancy I found it so frustrating trying to figure out what I can and can’t drink, feverishly googling ingredients to add to my check list of ‘safe teas’ and beating myself up if I’d accidentally drank a tea on the no go list.

So, before I start; if the idea of herbal tea is not for you, and to be fair it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (yes that pun was totally intentional) please remember to consult with your Doctor or Midwife for a professional confirmation about what is a safe quantity of non-herbal tea to consume. Because herbal teas are not regulated by the FDA there is just so much controversy and conflicting information out there, its hard to know what to do. Like anything -moderation is the key even for the teas listed on the safe list and recommendations currently state no more than four cups a day, with variety being the crucial, so just remember to mix it up a little.

In comparison to drinking caffeinated beverages, herbal teas certainly are the better option. They are great at hydrating the body, they are loaded with antioxidants and some are even known to reduce stress and anxiety. A great example is Ginger Tea and Peppermint tea which has been shown to reduce morning sickness. Then there is Raspberry Leaf Tea which has been shown to prepare the uterus for labour and is often recommended by midwives for consumption from the second trimester onward as it is thought to decrease the chances of preterm labour.

My favourite teas to enjoy in “moderation” during pregnancy

different herbal teas

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is often suggested for use in pregnancy. Rooibos, meaning ‘red bush’; is a broom-like member of the plant family Fabaceae that grows in South Africa’s fynbos. It is completely caffeine free and has a beneficial effect on your digestive system. I drank this throughout pregnancy and there is also talk that it can also help to settle colic and re-flux as well as containing an abundance of antioxidants and contains calcium and magnesium. I prefer my teas without milk, but this is equally delicious served with milk and if you need your tea sweetened, honey is a great addition without the added refined sugar.



cup of ginger tea

Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea has been known to ease the digestive system and reduce morning sickness. Less sugar than ginger biscuits too!


Two compounds in ginger help increase stomach emptying and reduce feelings of nausea, suggesting that ginger tea may help relieve morning sickness.

Source: Healthline Parenting



While no studies have analysed the effectiveness of ginger tea in pregnancy, research on ginger supplements suggests it helps reduce episodes of nausea and vomiting.

Source: Healthline Parenting


Up to 1 gram of ginger per day, or 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea, appears to be safe for pregnant women. However, women close to labour and those with a history of bleeding or miscarriages should avoid ginger tea.

Source: Healthline Parenting

cup of peppermint tea with lemon



Peppermint and Mint Teas

Again, this was a lifesaver during the early months of pregnancy, its great at settling a squiffy stomach as it relaxes the stomach muscles, reduces nausea and sickness.

fruit tea in a cup with strawberries

Fruit Teas

They’re caffeine free and so refreshing, plus there is an abundance of choice. I love fruit teas too as they’re completely sugar free and their delicious sweetness is created naturally which means they’re less intense than the sugary squashes you get and less likely to contain any nasty hidden artificial sweeteners.

The following is a list of teas that are considered unsafe to consume during pregnancy, it’s not extensive so if there are teas that you wish to drink that are not listed please consult your midwife or doctor.

AlfalfaFennel (medicinal amounts)Mayapple
Aloe veraFenugreekMistletoe
AniseFeverfewMotherwort
Autumn crocusGentianMugwort
BarberryGinkgoNutmeg
BasilGinsengOregano
BayberryGoldensealOsha
BearberryGotu kolaParsely (medicinal amounts)
Celery seedGuarana (contains caffeine)Passion flower
ChamomileHawthornePennyroyal
Chasteberry/ vitexHibiscus/rosemallowPeruvian bark/cinchona
Chicory rootHoodiaPleurisy root
CinnamonHorehoundPoppy (avoid completely)
Cohosh, blue or blackHyssopPulsatilla
ColtsfootJuniper berryRed clover blossom
ComfreyLabrador teaRhubarb
Devil’s clawLicorice rootRue
Duck rootLovageSage
EucalyptusMallowSassafras
Turmeric rootSaw palmettoWoodruff
ValerianSenna leavesWormwood
VervainTansyYarrow
VetiverThyme
Wild yam



Check out the below video from one of my favourite ladies Charlotte Stirling Reed from SR Nutrition talking about herbal teas during pregnancy

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thepregnancypantry

Vegan |Pregnancy |Nutrition
Do you remember when your mum use to tell you that Do you remember when your mum use to tell you that you need to drink your milk 🥛 everyday to get strong bones and teeth? 

My mum still does it now and I’m 40 🤦‍♀️

But did you know you can get your calcium from other means. 

Minerals are inorganic substances that are crucial to the balanced functioning of our body. They help build bone, skin, tissue and teeth and Calcium is just one of the 20 essential minerals that our body needs and is vital in the development and growth of your baby’s bones and to help maintain the health of yours throughout pregnancy too. ⠀⠀

Various dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt are all good examples of calcium rich food sources but what about if we’re following a vegan 🌱 lifestyle or like so many of us, avoid dairy altogether and opt for almond milk, oat milk and the many other dairy alternatives out there??
⠀⠀
If you’re following a vegan lifestyle you can still find plenty of calcium fortified foods out there such as breakfast cereals and breads. 

Plus Green leafy vegetables 🥬 such as kale as well as dairy alternatives that are fortified with calcium such as yogurts, rice milk, and oat milk. 

Calcium is important for bone health and the body adapts to ensure more calcium is absorbed, so higher intakes are not needed. Although saying that you need to be getting around 700mg -1000mg of calcium a day. 

If you can, try to aim for about four servings of calcium-rich foods daily. ⠀⠀

Happy 😃 healthy pregnancies to you all. Xx .
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#veganpregnancy #vegetarianpregnancy #plantbasedpregnancy #momtobe #thepregnancypantry #veganuary #vegangains  #veganprotein #veganinspiration #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfood #veganpregnancy #plantbasedvegan #plantbasedlife #veganhealth #vegantreats #vegansofaustralia #plantbasedpower #plantbasedprotein #plantbasedfamily #plantbasedfoodie #plantbasednutrition
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CONSTIPATION? 😳 Constip ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CONSTIPATION? 😳
Constipation hits us all, and never more so than when we’re pregnant, 
⁣
Combined with the added stresses and worry we have during pregnancy, there’s those crappy hormones (they have so much to answer for) which can cause the intestinal muscles to relax more slowing the whole digestive process down.
⁣
many of us take prenatal vitamins that contain added iron which contributes to the slow down in the number of times we go. Everything backs up and before you know it, you’ve been sat on the loo for an hour and you still can’t go. 😫
⁣
If you’re struggling with constipation during pregnancy? Make this granola part of your morning routine, mix it up, add berries, bananas and any other toppings but keep the prunes and flax in there. 
 
250 Grams Rolled Oats
1/4 Cup Organic Natural Honey
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil for a dairy free option or butter melted
1/4 Cup Flaxseed
1/4 Cup  Sunflower Seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaked almonds 
1/2 Cup Chopped Prunes
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Mixed Spice ( optional)
 
1. Heat oven to 180°C / Gas Mark 4
2. Over a low heat melt the butter / coconut oil,cinnamon, mixed spice & honey together.
3. In  clean plastic bag put the nuts in & bash up with a rolling spoon, always good if you need to take some frustration out.
4. Add the nuts, seeds and flaxseed to the oats in  large bowl and stir in the melted butter mix
5. Combine the mixture well ensuring all the oats are fully coated.
6. Spread the mixture on a large baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Give the tray a shake every five minutes so that it colours evenly and doesn't burn.
7. Once cooled it will crisp up, stir in your chopped-prunes.
This keeps for a month in an airtight container. 
⁣
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#homemadegranola #digestivehealth #healthybreakfastideas #healthynutrition #healthygut #eatforhealth #eatwholefoods #foodmedicine #healthyfoodrecipes #healthyfoodshare #feedfeed #pregnancy #babybump #healthypregnancy #pregnancyproblems #thepregnancypantry #pregnancynutrition #babyontheway #pregnancyhealth #prenatalnutrition #pregnanthealth #pregnant_world #mypregnancyjourney #nourishyourself #healthymamas #pregnancyfoods #pregnancyfood
⭐DO WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT IRON ON A PLANT BASED ⭐DO WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT IRON ON A PLANT BASED PREGNANCY? ⭐⁠
⁠
Despite the immense importance of iron especially on a vegan diet – not many people are meeting their daily iron requirements.⁠
⁠
The reason we need additional iron during pregnancy is to create extra haemoglobin. ⁠
⁠
This helps move the oxygen from the mother’s lungs both through the body of the mother and the body of the baby. ⁠
⁠
Just as with non-pregnant people, if too little iron is consumed, iron deficiency anaemia can occur. This can cause the baby to grow at a slower rate than normal causing them to be too small and it can lead to premature birth.⁠
⁠
Some women choose to take iron supplements throughout pregnancy which is typically dosed at 30mg to cover the iron needs daily. Due to following a plant based diet I would certainly advocate for discussing your levels with your doctor or midwife who will be able to carry a blood test to determine if you’re deficient. ⁠
⁠
Not all women need to supplement with iron, BUT because iron found in plant based foods isn’t absorbed as easily as that found in animal products, women who do not include meat in their diet need to make sure they include a full range of green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, seeds and iron rich fortified cereals. ⁠
⁠
Beetroot is loaded with iron, minerals and vitamins and contains vitamin C which will also help your body absorb iron even better.  This smoothie is a winning combo for boosting your iron levels - kick start the day with this each morning. ⁠
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#plantbasedlifestyle #plantbasedliving #plantbasednutrition #plantbasedfoods #plantpowered #plantbasedchef #ironrichsmoothie #beetrootsmoothie #healthyveganlife #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianlife #plantbasedpregnancy #mypregnancyjourney #mommatobe #babyontheway #healthypregnancy #thepregnancypantry #happypregnancy #pregnancyfoods #pregnancyfitness #pregnancynutrition #fitpregnancy #pregnancyquotes #prenatalnutrition #pregnancyhealth #pregnanthealth #pregnancymemes #pregnantandperfect #fitpregnancyjourney #pregnancylifestyle
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    ▼
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    • Vitamin D Needs During Pregnancy
    • Iodine and Zinc and their role in pregnancy
    • Why Do we Need Calcium?
    • Where can we get our essential Omega Fatty Acids from?
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    • The importance of protein – how to ensure we get sufficient amounts during a plant based pregnancy.
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