Last Updated on July 10, 2023 by Muhammad Sohaib
Breastfeeding is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. It is a natural way to provide your baby with essential nutrients and antibodies, and it can also help to strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
As you embark on the beautiful journey of breastfeeding, it’s crucial to prioritize your own well-being to ensure a steady milk supply and optimal nutrition for your little bundle of joy.
One essential aspect is staying hydrated with the right drinks. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your breast milk production, yet breastfeeding can leave you feeling extremely thirsty.
Therefore, you will need to drink something throughout most of the day.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best drinks for breastfeeding moms, providing you with a handy guide to keep you refreshed and energized throughout this precious time.
Stay Refreshed and Nourished with These Breastfeeding-Friendly Beverages
We’ll discuss the benefits of some drinks and how much you should drink each day. We’ll also talk about some drinks to avoid while breastfeeding.
Healthy Drinks For Breastfeeding Moms
1. Water
Let’s start with the most important drink of all is “water”.Breastfeeding moms need to stay well-hydrated to support milk production.
According to Medela, Breastfeeding may lead to feelings of thirst, so it’s crucial to stay properly hydrated. It’s recommended that everyone strives to drink six to eight glasses of fluids daily or even more during breastfeeding.
A helpful tip is to sip on water, milk, or unsweetened fruit juice whenever you’re feeding your baby. It’s crucial to be properly hydrated throughout this period.
Drinking water not only quenches your thirst but also helps flush out toxins and maintain your energy levels.
2. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating drink that is very beneficial for breastfeeding moms. It’s a natural source of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining proper hydration levels.
Coconut water can help replenish fluids lost during breastfeeding and keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Additionally, it contains some natural sugars that provide a quick energy boost. Choose fresh and pure coconut water, avoiding any added sugars or flavors.
3. Freshly Squeezed Juices
Freshly squeezed fruit juices can be a delightful way to stay hydrated and obtain additional nutrients. They provide a natural supply of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Juices made from a variety of fruits like oranges, apples, berries, and watermelon. These juices not only provide hydration but also support your overall health.
However, it’s important to consume them in moderation, as they can be high in natural sugars.
Choose freshly squeezed juices or make them at home to ensure you’re getting the maximum nutritional benefits without any added sugars or artificial additives.
4. Refreshing Fruit Infused Water
If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on plain water, try infusing it with slices of fresh fruit or herbs for a refreshing drink.
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or cucumbers add a refreshing, bright and invigorating essence / flavor, while berries or mint leaves provide a natural aroma and taste.
This not only enhances the taste, but it also adds a touch of vitamins and minerals to nourish the body daily.
Enjoy a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated during breastfeeding with fruit-infused water.
5. Herbal Tea
Herbal teas can be a soothing and comforting option for breastfeeding moms. They offer hydration along with various health benefits.
One popular choice is lactation tea, which usually contains ingredients like fenugreek, fennel, peppermint, or ginger tea, which can help with digestion and relaxation.
These herbs are thought to enhance milk production naturally.
Additionally, oatmeal-based lactation drinks can provide you with a nutritious blend of oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed, which may help support lactation.
Mint tea can aid digestion and relieve any discomfort. Raspberry leaf tea is believed to have a positive impact on milk supply.
Sip on these beverages to enhance your milk-making abilities.
6. Milk or Milk Alternatives
Milk is a fantastic source of essential nutrients for breastfeeding moms. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients that are important for both mom and baby. You can drink cow’s milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
Cow’s milk is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for milk production. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and D, which are important for overall health.
Soy milk is a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or who don’t eat dairy products. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and it also contains isoflavones, which have been shown to have some health benefits.
Almond milk is a good choice for people who are looking for a plant-based milk. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and it’s also low in calories and fat.
7. Fresh Vegetable juices
Vegetable juice can be a beneficial addition to your breastfeeding journey. It provides a source of essential nutrients and hydration, which can support both your health and the quality of your breast milk.
Incorporating a variety of vegetables into your juice, such as leafy greens, carrots, beets, or celery, can offer a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish your body.
What to Avoid
There are a few drinks that you should avoid or limit while breastfeeding. These include:
8. Caffeinated drinks
According to the Mayo Clinic, to promote peaceful and undisturbed sleep for your baby, it is recommended to limit your consumption of caffeinated drinks to a maximum of 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) per day.
The caffeine present in your breast milk has the potential to agitate your baby or disrupt their sleep patterns.
9. Alcohol
It is important to note that there is no safe level of alcohol in breast milk for a baby.
If you choose to consume alcohol, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding until the alcohol has completely cleared from your breast milk because alcohol can pass through breast milk and can be harmful to babies.
10. Soft drinks
Soft drinks are high in sugar and calories, and they can contribute to weight gain.
11. Fish
According to the Mayo Clinic, seafood is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, certain types may contain higher levels of mercury and contaminants.
It is important to minimize their exposure to excessive mercury levels through breast milk.
This can be achieved by avoiding seafood varieties high in mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Conclusion:
Staying hydrated is important for all moms, but it’s especially important for breastfeeding moms. By drinking plenty of fluids, you can help to ensure that you’re producing enough milk for your baby and that you’re staying healthy.
Here are some additional tips for staying hydrated while breastfeeding:
- Don’t forget to bring a water bottle with you whenever you leave. It’s an easy but efficient approach to maintain fluid intake all day.
- Drink a glass of water before and after each feeding.
- Enhance the flavor of your water by adding fruits or herbs to create a refreshing infusion.
- Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet as they are rich in water content, helping to keep you hydrated.
I hope this blog post has helped you to learn more about the best drinks for breastfeeding moms. By following these tips, you can stay hydrated and healthy while breastfeeding your baby.
