FAQ

USAGE

Can I have your lactation products even though I no longer have a newborn?

Yes, you can have them any time you need a boost in your milk supply or feel your body needs some TLC.

Can I have any Mrs. Patel’s lactation products if I am pregnant?

No. The herbs in our Breastfeeding line are potent and cannot be digested if you are or think you are pregnant. We suggest you have our trimester-specific pregnancy teas (which are for pregnancy only and not lactation).

I’m pregnant - when should I order?

You can have our trimester-specific pregnancy teas any time during your pregnancy. For lactation products we recommend ordering 3 weeks before your due date. You can have the lactation products as soon as you deliver

Are there any side effects?

Before ordering, please check first if you are allergic to any of our ingredients. There are allergen listings at the bottom of each product page along with an ingredients listing under the “Ingredients” on each product page.

Note: Our facility processes products with nuts (tree nuts and peanuts), gluten, dairy and coconut.

Notes on Fenugreek

The bars in our Lactation Treat line contain the herb fenugreek.

Fenugreek is a traditional herb used to help milk production. It has been used for centuries in many cultures and is the most recommended galactagogue by medical and lactation professionals.

However, there are some women who cannot/should not have fenugreek.

Those with thyroid, blood sugar issues (such as diabetes), peanut allergies and those taking certain blood clotting medications should avoid fenugreek.

Some people can smell like maple syrup, have an upset tummy or experience intestinal discomfort from fenugreek. If you have a sensitive stomach, we would recommend you not have fenugreek.

There are women who can have a contraindication to fenugreek - especially in high, concentrated dosages - and may experience a decrease in milk supply.

We use culinary quantities of fenugreek in our Lactation Treats and include herbs like ginger and peepramul that specialize in easing digestion, but if you are especially sensitive, these effects may still occur.

Our Lactation Cookies, Lactation Teas, Superbars and Lactation Sprinkle are fenugreek-free.

Remember - everyone responds to herbs in varying ways.

Can I have the Lactation Treats and the Tea or Munch Crunch at the same time?

Yes, you can have a bar and a cup of tea and the lactation sprinkle at the same time. You can also split them up during the day as you see fit - a bar in the morning, a cup of tea in the afternoon and some Munch Crunch with dinner. It’s up to you and your body.

My supply is pretty good, if I take your products will I start overproducing?

If your milk supply is fine, you may not need our products as they may increase your milk supply. If you want to still receive the postpartum healing benefits, but do not want to have overproduction, then you can eat half a Fenugreek Bar a day or drink only 1 cup of our Lactation Tea per day and see how your supply is affected.

What’s the nutritional info for the bars?

The nutritional info is listed on each product page.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system that has been used in India for over a thousand years.

STORAGE

I just received my Lactation Treats and Superbars - how should I store them?

When you receive your Lactation Treats and Superbars, please place them straight into the freezer for 30 minutes - 1 hour to firm them up. You can then transfer them to the refrigerator or the keep them in the freezer - your choice! Best if stored in a sealed, airtight container. Do not store at room temperature. Our Lactation Treats and Superbars can be kept for up to 1.5 months in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. They will be okay if you keep them in your backpack or purse or a bag on-the-go. But don't leave them out for more than a day. If you DO leave them out for more than a day, then refreeze.

I just received my Lactation Teas - how should I store them?

Lactation Teas can be stored at room temperature. But if not used within 6 months, store in freezer.

How long can the Lactation Treats and Superbars stay out during shipment?

Orders are made fresh to order. It can take 1 - 1.5 weeks from ordering to receipt. Our Lactation Treats can stay out for up to 1.5 weeks during shipment but refrigeration is required after delivery.

LACTATION TREATS - FENUGREEK BARS

How many bars come in a box?

There are 12 bars/box.

What do the bars taste like?

The bars have a one-of-a-kind taste that is hard to describe. Some mamas say they taste bitter, some think they taste sweet and others have described them as ‘herbal’.

How long can the Lactation Treats stay fresh?

Our Lactation Treats can stay out for 1.5 weeks during shipment but refrigeration is required after delivery. They can be kept for up to 1.5 months in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer, in a sealed, airtight container. DO NOT STORE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE.

Can I have more than 1 Fenugreek Bar a day?

We recommend starting with one bar per day. If you feel you need more of a boost after 3 days, you can eat up to two bars per day.

I already take fenugreek pills, can I take both the pills and eat the Lactation Treats?

Yes, you can take both the pills and eat our Lactation Treats. Each of our Lactation Treats contains the rough equivalent of 1 capsule of fenugreek powder. (~500 - 550mg). Depending on how many pills you are taking, you can have both.

I took a full cycle (12-days) of your products and now my supply has increased, can I stop or do I need to keep using your products to keep up my supply?

If you feel your supply is where you need it to be and your body can naturally maintain this new milk output, then you do not need to keep using our products (although it is hard to stop eating our bars as they are so yummy!). Your supply should not decrease and you do not need to wean yourself off of our products as you may need to do with fenugreek pills.

LACTATION TEA - MILK WATER TEA

How much tea comes in a bag of loose tea?

There are 14 servings of loose tea/bag. You can reuse the tea leaves to make more servings if you like.

If using the Quick Prep method, you can save the tea leaves to make 2 more cups by adding more hot water and re-steeping. For the Traditional Method, you can reuse the leaves just one more time by reboiling the tea leaves. You can "save" the tea leaves in a mug/bowl/container and keep them in the fridge until needed.

Do you have any tea bags?

Yes - we offer both loose tea and easy to use tea bags. The brew bags feature our potent serving sizes and come in a box of 7 or a box of 14 tea bags. Another option is the loose tea paired with our self fillable tea bags here.

How do I make the tea?

There are instructions on both the bags and the boxes but here are some tips:

LOOSE TEA

Quick Prep: To make the tea you can use an infuser, a strainer or even a French press or coffee maker. If using a strainer, you just put 4 heaping tablespoons of the loose tea in a mug, add hot water, steep for 5-7min and then strain out the tea. To do this you can use a strainer that fits over the mug, or you can even just use a pasta strainer or colander.

Traditional Prep: Put 1/4 cup of tea leaves into a pot, add 3 cups of water and then boil for 20-30 min until the water is reduced down to 1/2-cup of tea. Strain out the tea leaves. This will make a concentrated cup of the tea. You can add milk and sugar, or lemon and honey to this concentrate.

BREW BAGS

Place 1 brew bag into a mug, add 8-10oz of hot water, steep for 5-7 min and remove sachet. Although the brew bag is so large, it is still meant to make 1 cup of tea. To make a weaker cup of tea you can add more water or make a pitcher of tea.

Can I reuse the tea leaves?

Yes. If using the Quick Prep method, you can save the tea leaves to make 2 more cups by adding more hot water and re-steeping. For the Traditional Method, you can reuse the leaves just one more time by reboiling the tea leaves. You can "save" the tea leaves in a mug/bowl/container and keep them in the fridge until needed.

Can I reuse the brew bags?

Yes. You can use a brew bag for up to 3 steepings. Note: the tea will be less potent with each steeping. We do not recommend the Traditional Method with a brew bag as the sachet may tear during boiling. However, you are welcome to cut the brew bag and use the loose tea for the Traditional Method.

How do I store the tea leaves if I want to reuse them?

You can save the tea leaves in a mug/bowl/container and keep them in the fridge until needed.

Can I add anything to the tea?

Yes, you can stir in whatever additions you may like. This will not affect the herbal effectiveness of the tea. We recommend milk/dairy alternative and sweetener with the Chai Spice tea (as you would prep your coffee) and lemon and honey with the Herbal Blend.

Can I drink the tea hot or cold?

We recommend drinking the tea hot. However, we have many customers who enjoy drinking iced tea and drinking our teas cold did not affect their results.

How long does the tea stay fresh?

The unused tea will keep for up to a year. If you are not drinking the tea within 6 months, place the bag or unused brew bags in a sealed container and store in the freezer. It will be good in the freezer for up to 1.5- 2 years.

PREGNANCY

Do the pregnancy teas help with lactation?

No. They are specifically for pregnancy. While hydrating always helps with lactation, the herbs in our pregnancy teas are meant to help with a variety of trimester by trimester issues.

If I am pregnant but also breastfeeding, can I drink the pregnancy teas?

Yes! While you cannot have our lactation teas while pregnant, you CAN have our pregnancy teas.

Can I have whichever trimester teas I want?

You can have the 1st Trimester and 2nd Trimester teas anytime during your pregnancy. However, our 3rd Trimester tea is for the 3rd Trimester only.

Is the tea loose or in tea bags?

Our pregnancy tea comes in biodegradable pyramid tea bags.

How many tea bags come in a canister?

We offer two sizes of our pregnancy tea canisters - small (7 tea bags) and large (14 tea bags).

How often do I have to drink the pregnancy tea?

As many times as you would like. Drink as needed - it's up to you. We generally recommend having 1-3 cups a day.

How long do I have to steep the tea bag?

There are instructions on the canister. We recommend steeping the tea bag for 3-5 minutes.

Can the tea bags be reused?

The tea bags are a single-use serving, but if you want to do a re-soak - go for it. Note: Reusing the tea bags will decrease the potency of the herbs and make a weaker cup of tea.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Do you have to be pregnant or breastfeeding/pumping to have the Women's Health products?

Absolutely not. These products are for all women (and, hey, men too) no matter what stage they are in life. You do not have to be pregnant, you do not have to be lactating.

I'm pregnant AND breastfeeding, can I have the Women's Health products?

Yes! You can use the Superbars if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.

What is the difference between the Lactation Treats and the Superbars?

They have totally different ingredients and flavors profiles. The Superbars do NOT have fenugreek.

Can Superbars help with lactation?

The Superbars can still help with lactation, but are a milder lactation aid.

Can any woman have a Superbar?

YES - as long as they are not allergic to any of the ingredients. You can have them, your sister can have them, your mom can have them, your grandmother can have them, your best friend can have them and every single woman you know can have them (baring any food allergies). Basically, if you have a vagina (AND you're not allergic to one of the ingredients), then you can enjoy and benefit from these bars.

How many Superbars can I have a day?

As many as you like. Have them like you would any energy bar.

Do the Superbars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, freeze them upon receipt and then keep them in the refrigerator until you want to eat them. They will be okay if you keep them in your backpack or purse or a bag on-the-go. But don't leave them out for more than a day. If you DO leave them out for more than a day, then just refreeze them.

Do the Superbars have an expiration date?

Yes - they will keep for up to 1.5 months in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda to help the female system. Shatavari can help with: infertility, sexual health, morning sickness, menstrual cycles, breastfeeding, hormone regulation, menopause.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a superherb that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and other healing and medicinal systems. Turmeric can help with: inflammation, boosting the immune system, joint pain.

What is a superherb?

Superherbs are powerhouse herbs that have a myriad of known benefits.

What is an adaptogen?

Adaptogens are herbs that work with a person's body and help them to resist and find balance against a variety of stressors that they may have.

SHIPPING

Do you ship orders?

Yes, we ship orders via USPS Priority Mail across the country, including Alaska, Hawaii Guam and Puerto Rico. Shipping is calculated by item and grouped together, if applicable. Depending on your order, we usually ship multiple items in one box. We are based in San Francisco, CA and we do not ship internationally.

How long does shipping take?

From ordering to receipt, it usually takes 1-1.5 weeks.

How long can the Lactation Treats and Superbars stay out during shipment?

Orders are made fresh to order. It can take 1 - 1.5 weeks from ordering to receipt. Our Lactation Treats can stay out for up to 1.5 weeks during shipment but refrigeration is required after delivery.

I live/work in San Francisco, how can I save on shipping costs?

You can find our products at two retail locations in the city: Natural Resources. We also offer local pick-ups between 12-4pm Monday - Thursday from our facilities in Bernal Heights. Just place the order on-line and note your choice of pick-up day and time. Once we coordinate, we will refund you the shipping charges and send you our location info.

My friend just had a baby, can I get a package sent to her?

Yes! We offer gift packages featuring gift tags with custom messages and can ship orders across the country.

Do you sell your products at any stores?

Our products are featured exclusively at two retail locations: Natural Resources in San Francisco and Healthy Horizons in Burlingame. If you would like to be become a wholesaler, please contact us.

What are the terms and conditions for Free Shipping?

All orders $75.00 and over (pre-tax, after all promotions are applied) qualify for free priority shipping in the Unites States
If your sub-total is less than $75.00, free shipping does not apply
Additional taxes do not count towards your free shipping total
If discounts and promo codes have been applied to your order, the discounted amount must be over $75.00 to be eligible for free shipping
Orders given free shipping will typically be shipped via Priority Mail from USPS

SUPPORT

Do you offer samples?

Unfortunately, we do not offer samples to individuals. Moreover, our samples only offer a taste of our products and would not be an indicator of potential effectiveness.

When will I see results?

We don't offer timelines as results really vary from woman to woman and people respond to herbs in different ways. Some mamas respond in a 1-2 days while for others it can take 12+ days and some mamas may not respond at all. We recommend having our products for at least 1 month.

Are your products guaranteed?

No, they are not. Everyone responds to herbs in varying ways, and results differ from woman to woman. Some mamas may not respond to the herbs in our products. For more information, please read our Disclaimer.

Do you offer refunds?

No, we do not. Unfortunately, once an item has been shipped, we do not offer refunds. We hope you like what we have to offer and we take a lot of pride in what we make, but since our products are highly specialized, handmade food items we cannot give you a refund once an item has been purchased and shipped out. If you are unsure about our treats and teas, we suggest you start off small, with either 1 box of Combo Lactation Treats or 1 bag of our Lactation Tea.

I did not receive my package, what do I do?

First contact your local post office since they will be best equipped to provide you with the information you need. Once we ship, we can not control the delivery of the product. If they are unable to assist you, you can contact us and we will do what we can to resolve the issue.

Why isn’t the ‘firstorder’ code working?

This code can only be used for first time orders. The code cannot be used with subscriptions. You have to input both your shipping and billing address before you apply the 'firstorder' code.

How can I edit or cancel my subscription?

If you already have an account with us, you can edit or cancel your subscription by logging into your account: https://www.mrsmilk.com/account/login. Once you log in, you will see a link on the left column that says "Manage Subscriptions". You can easily access your subscription to change your subscribed items and the frequency of shipments. You can also skip orders or cancel at any time. If you do not have an account with us, you will first need to register here: https://www.mrsmilk.com/account/register.

I want to edit or cancel my subscription but the system doesn’t recognize my email address (although I already receive emails). What do I do?

While your email address may be on file, you do not actually have an account with us. Please follow this link: https://www.mrsmilk.com/account/register to create an account. Once you register, you will be able to access your subscriptions.