Staying hydrated while breastfeeding is important. Breastmilk is made up of about 90% water, so it’s important to have at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Drinking enough water and other fluids will keep you hydrated and healthy. You should drink to thirst. You should drink enough water so that you are not thirsty. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you you need to drink more. As a busy mom, it can be hard to keep track of how much water you are drinking. A good way to be sure you are taking in enough fluids is to have something to drink when your baby nurses. A newborn baby nurses about 8-12 times a day, so have a glass of water before or after feedings. Or, keep a container of water to sip on while nursing and through out the day. You can also keep bottled water in your diaper bag when you are on the go.
Signs you may not be drinking enough water:
Thirst
Dry mouth
Dark colored urine
Urinating less often
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Headache
Remember not to drink too much water. Drinking more water than recommended will not help you produce more breastmilk or provide you with any additional benefits. Studies show that drinking too much water can actually cause a dip in your breastmilk supply. It can also fill you up. Filling up on fluids can decrease your appetite, preventing you from getting enough food to get the calories and nutrients you need.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. New Mother’s Guide To Breastfeeding. Bantam Books. New York. 2011.
Dusdieker LB, Booth BM, Stumbo PJ, Eichenberger JM. Effect of supplemental fluids on human milk production. The Journal of pediatrics. 1985 Feb 1;106(2):207-11.
Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breastfeeding, A Guide For The Medical Profession Eighth Edition. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2015.
Ndikom CM, Fawole B, Ilesanmi RE. Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production. The Cochrane Library. 2014 January
