By Hilary Metcalfe
I spent years studying hormonal balance, herbal medicine, and postpartum recovery—but nothing prepared me for what it felt like in my own body. After giving birth, I felt physically drained, emotionally raw, and deeply depleted in a way I hadn’t expected.
Breastfeeding is an intense physiological demand, requiring higher levels of micronutrients, electrolytes, and minerals than during pregnancy. Every feed transfers calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace minerals to the baby—often leaving the mother feeling exhausted, nutrient-depleted, and struggling with low energy or even a drop in milk supply.
This is why I formulated The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—a carefully selected blend of herbs designed to support lactation, replenish micronutrients, and help the body recover from the immense demands of breastfeeding.
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind its ingredients and how they nourish both mum and baby.
1. Stinging Nettle: Restoring Iron & Essential Minerals
Iron deficiency is a common issue for postpartum women, with research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology indicating that nearly 50 percent of mothers experience some level of postpartum anaemia. Iron is essential not only for energy but also for maintaining healthy milk supply and preventing extreme fatigue.
Stinging nettle is one of the richest plant-based sources of iron and also contains:
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Calcium & Magnesium – Critical for bone health, muscle function, and stress resilience
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Vitamin K – Supports blood clotting and postpartum healing
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Chlorophyll – Oxygenates the blood, improving energy levels and recovery
By including stinging nettle in Breastfeeding Herbata, we help replenish lost nutrients, reducing postpartum fatigue and supporting long-term well-being.
2. Moringa: The Ultimate Lactation & Recovery Superfood
Moringa has been used for centuries as a natural galactagogue—an herb that helps increase milk supply. A clinical trial published in the Philippine Journal of Pediatrics found that breastfeeding women who consumed moringa had a significant increase in milk volume within five days compared to those who did not.
Moringa is packed with:
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Iron & Zinc – Both critical for energy production and immune support
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Calcium & Potassium – Electrolytes that prevent dehydration and maintain muscle function
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Plant-Based Protein – A key macronutrient for postpartum tissue repair and milk production
By including moringa in Breastfeeding Herbata, we support milk production and postpartum recovery simultaneously.
3. Fennel: Natural Support for Digestion & Milk Flow
Fennel is another time-tested herb for breastfeeding mothers, with research from the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition showing that it not only increases milk supply but also helps reduce colic in breastfed infants.
Fennel contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that naturally mimic oestrogen in the body. These help:
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Stimulate prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production
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Support digestion, reducing bloating and discomfort for both mother and baby
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Soothe colicky babies when passed through breast milk
Many lactation teas focus only on increasing milk production, but we included fennel in Breastfeeding Herbata because it nourishes the digestive system and makes feeding more comfortable for both mum and baby.
4. Oat Straw: The Nervous System Tonic for Stress & Fatigue
Postpartum mothers often experience heightened stress, mood swings, and extreme fatigue due to fluctuating hormones. Oat straw is rich in B vitamins and magnesium, making it a powerful adaptogen for calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
Research from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine highlights oat straw’s ability to:
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Reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm
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Improve sleep quality, even in cases of sleep deprivation
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Support adrenal function, preventing postpartum burnout
We included oat straw in Breastfeeding Herbata because breastfeeding mums deserve more than just physical nourishment—they need emotional and mental support too.
5. Holy Basil: Adaptogenic Support for Hormonal Balance
Breastfeeding requires a delicate balance of cortisol, oxytocin, and prolactin. High stress levels can inhibit milk letdown, making the feeding process stressful for both mum and baby.
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, has been shown in research published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine to:
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Lower cortisol levels, helping the body adapt to stress
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Enhance oxytocin release, promoting a stronger letdown reflex
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Stabilise blood sugar levels, preventing postpartum energy crashes
We included Holy Basil in Breastfeeding Herbata because hormonal balance is just as important as milk production when it comes to postpartum health.
Nourishing Both Mum & Baby with Every Sip
Breastfeeding takes so much from a mother’s body, and yet too often, mothers are told to simply “eat more” or “drink more water” to replenish themselves. It’s not enough. Postpartum recovery requires deep nourishment—replenishing minerals, balancing hormones, and reducing stress at the root level.
That’s why The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata was formulated with science-backed ingredients that do more than just support lactation. It is:
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Rich in minerals to replenish postpartum depletion
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Designed to support both milk flow and digestive comfort
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Blended with adaptogens to help balance stress hormones
Because a thriving baby starts with a thriving mother.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
