Petrina O'Halloran
Founder Mama's Boobie Box
Additional Info
Milk's Up breastfeeding tea is a herbal blend designed to naturally support mothers while nursing.
Whilst this time with your baby is amazing - it can also be really hard, and a cup of tea can be a huge support!
All of its ingredients are 100% organic and natural - fennel, nettle, fenugreek seeds, lemon verbena and aniseed. These are herbs which have been used for millennia to support lactation, but they also taste delicious.
Fennel and fenugreek have the strongest links to increasing milk supply in research, and fenugreek is also linked to having immunity boosting benefits.
We couldn't be prouder of this multi-award winning tea! It won 'Best Maternity Product' - at the UK Baby Awards, and the 'Best Breastfeeding Support Product', at the Project Baby Awards.
Because sometimes a cup of tea isn't quite enough - and that's okay. If you need more support on your breastfeeding journey, the National Breastfeeding Helpline is available any time, day or night. Give them a call on 0300 100 0212.
Fenugreek and milk supply:
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the most studied herbal galactagogues for breastfeeding. The research base is small but directionally positive:
- A 2018 network meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials found that fenugreek significantly increased breast milk volume compared to placebo (weighted mean difference of 11.11 ml per feed, 95% CI 6.77–15.46). (Khan et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2018)
- A study published in ScienceDirect (2020) found that breastmilk volume increased earlier — at day 3 postpartum — in mothers consuming fenugreek tea compared to a control group.
- Research links fenugreek's phytoestrogen content (specifically diosgenin) to stimulation of the mammary glands and an increase in prolactin levels in the early postpartum period.
- A review of nine clinical trials associated fenugreek use with increased breast milk adequacy, more frequent breastfeeding, and higher neonatal weight gain.
Evidence is limited by small sample sizes and study design variability. The NHS and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine note that while there is promising evidence, large-scale randomised controlled trials are still needed. Fenugreek should be used alongside feeding on demand and expressing, not as a standalone intervention.
Sources: Khan et al. (2018),PubMed — Effectiveness of fenugreek as a galactagogue: A network meta-analysis; ScienceDirect (2020), Effect of fenugreek on breast milk production; LactMed / NCBI Bookshelf; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #9 (2018).
Fennel & Aniseed for breastfeeding:
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) are both classified as herbal galactagogues and are among the most commonly used lactation-support herbs globally. They are traditional staples in Indian Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern postpartum care.
Like fenugreek, fennel contains phytoestrogens — particularly anethole — which are believed to mimic oestrogen and stimulate milk production. Small-scale studies and systematic reviews consistently identify fennel and fenugreek as having the strongest evidence base among herbal galactagogues, though high-quality large-scale clinical trials remain limited.
HotTea Mama's Milk's Up contains fennel seed (20%) and aniseed (20%), making these the largest galactagogue components by volume in the blend. Together with fenugreek, they provide the primary lactation support mechanism of the tea.
Sources: LactMed / NCBI — Fennel entry; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #9 (2018); Healthline: Fenugreek and Breastfeeding — peer-reviewed sources.
What is a galactagogue?
A galactagogue is a substance - herb, food, or drug - that has been used historically to initiate, maintain, or increase breast milk production. The term comes from the Greek gala, meaning milk.
The active mechanism is not fully understood, but researchers believe phytoestrogens in fenugreek and fennel may stimulate mammary gland tissue and support the production of prolactin — the hormone responsible for milk secretion.
Sources: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #9 (2018); LactMed / NCBI Bookshelf — Fenugreek entry; HotTea Mama product formulation.
Every ingredient is chosen with care - these incredible herbs have been trusted to support breastfeeding mums for generations.
Fenugreek seed: Contains phytoestrogens that mimic oestrogen, historically linked to increased milk volume and fat content. A well-studied galactagogue.
Fennel seed: Another well-known galactagogue used for centuries. Adds a beautifully sweet, slightly liquorice flavour - and has been linked to boosting prolactin levels.
Aniseed: Warming and aromatic. A traditional galactagogue that also supports digestion - handy in those early weeks.
Nettle leaf: Packed with vitamins and minerals. A gentle, nourishing herb to support your body through the demands of nursing.
Lemon verbena: Brightens the blend with a light citrus note and helps balance the stronger galactagogue flavours.
Rosemary: Adds depth and rounds out the flavour. A naturally antioxidant-rich finishing touch.
When should I start drinking Milk's Up?
As soon as your baby arrives. Because it contains fenugreek, which can affect oestrogen levels, we don't recommend it during pregnancy — but it's perfect to pop in your hospital bag so it's ready to go.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Most mamas start to see benefits within 3–7 days. Natural herbs work best alongside regular feeding and expressing, so try to combine them. Everyone is different, and results will vary.How many cups a day?Up to 3 cups a day is our recommendation, and within NHS guidelines. With 14 bags per pack (each making 2 cups), you've got around 2 weeks of daily cups.
Can I drink it cold?
Absolutely. Brew as normal, then let it cool in the fridge. Add ice and fruit if you're feeling fancy — staying hydrated whilst breastfeeding has never tasted better.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes. Milk's Up is 100% plant-based.
How many cups should I have a day?
We recommend having up to 3-4 cups a day. Combine this with pumping to establish your milk supply. NHS guidelines recommend a maximum 4 cups of any one herbal tea a day. *The impact of natural herbs will vary person to person.
Why are these herbs used to support my milk flow?
Fenugreek, fennel, aniseed, and even oats, are all galactagogues, which have all been used historically to support breastfeeding. No one 100% knows why, but lab studies link an active component - diosgenin, to help breastfeeding.
What is the research behind the blend?
Whilst there is extremely limited standardised and empirical evidence into the efficacy of herbs in helping lactation and milk supply, some key herbs have been used for centuries to assist women who are struggling, especially in India and the Middle East. Fennel and Fenugreek in particular have been used by breastfeeding women for hundreds of years to increase milk supply. The seeds contain phytoestogens which mimic your female hormone, oestrogen. Nettle and anise have also been linked to helping breast milk, but the research is more limited here. Read a more in depth summary of research here.
- Hot Brew
- Iced Tea
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Each of our packs has simple instructions on it, but essentially you should use 1 tea bag per person, and freshly boiled water for all except Head Start. This tea works best with 80-degree water (let your kettle sit for 5 minutes with the lid open after boiling). Brew for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
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Use 1 bag per 300ml of water (this is the average size of a water glass) Add freshly boiled water, as if you were making a normal cuppa. Place the glass, with the tea bag still in, in your fridge to cool. Enjoy once cool - add lots of ice and fruit if you're feeling fancy.