Is Kombucha Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers? Because It Contains Alcohol, Here's A Medical Explanation

Illustration of whether kombucha is safe for breastfeeding mothers (Freepik/pikisuperstar)

YOGYAKARTA Freshly processed kombucha with fermented benefits for health. But generally it is counter-indicated or not intended for people who are pregnant because the process contains alcohol. Is it safe to drink kombucha tea for breastfeeding mothers?

Obstetric and Gynecology specialist Heather Johnson, MD., explains that there aren't many research data specifically explaining the safety of drinking kombucha for breastfeeding mothers. Obviously again, it might be okay but consider the amount and follow some precautions.

"Generally, the amount of caffeine and alcohol in kombucha is low, and occasionally drinking it may not be dangerous," said doctor Johnson. He added, there is a potential risk for breastfeeding parents, especially for those who consume it a lot.

Kombucha began to be processed and found around 220 BC in China. This fermented drink has only been popular around the world for the past decade. Commbucha is usually brewed with black, green, or oolong tea. Sugar is then added and tea is fermented using bacterial or yeast breeding called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The fermentation process lasts about 7-10 days.

Due to the fermentation process, it naturally contains alcohol. The tea used to make it usually caffeinated. For breastfeeding parents, the main problem in drinking kombucha is the fact that kombucha contains alcohol and caffeine. Not to mention in an unpasteurized process that may contain harmful bacteria that can be harmful to breastfeeding mothers, reported by VerywellFamily, Thursday, August 3.

Launching the LPPOM MUI page, kombucha tea is made from plant-based main ingredients which are included in the list of positive lists. On average, the content of alcohol produced by kombucha is less than 0.5 percent. In the Fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Number 10 of 2018 concerning Food and Beverage Products Containing Alcohol/Etanol states that fermented drink products containing less than 0.5% of the law are halal, during the process they do not use illegal materials and if medically they are not dangerous.

Kombucha for breastfeeding mothers, explained doctor Johnson, is important for concern. As long as the alcohol content is at least less than 0.5 percent and is not contaminated and caffeine is very low, it is recommended to limit drinking it. If forced to drink it, postpone breastfeeding for a few hours after consuming it.

"As a rule of practice, alcohol can only be consumed after a breastfeeding or pumping session if [You] plan to drink it," suggested Ashley Georgakopoulos, a consultant for lactation and director of lactation in the motive for Lactication.

As for caffeine, very little is included in breast milk. But pay attention, if you are sensitive to caffeine, it's better not to consume it. As for Georgakopoulos' advice, any product containing alcohol at any amount cannot be considered completely safe for infants and breastfeeding mothers. Because, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can cause problems in the baby's growth and motor function. It can also tire the baby, cause fluid retention, and hormonal imbalance.

As a safe measure, the key to drinking kombucha for breastfeeding mothers is in a moderate amount by considering precautions to stay safe. Give two hours after consuming kombucha you can only breastfeed again. But more importantly, consult health service providers because the nursing mother's condition is different from that of each person. Well, if you're breastfeeding and looking for probiotic foods but don't contain alcohol or caffeine, you can choose yogurt or kefir, advises Georgakopos and Johnson.