It is important to stay hydrated in order to keep your breast milk supply up. Unfortunately, breastfeeding can make you really thirsty! This means that you should drink something most of the day and although pure water may be best for an adult, it might get a bit dull.
Here are some flavor options for keeping both yourself and baby happy during these trying times.
1. Water
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s recommended that you drink more water than usual when nursing. On average it’s recommend we drink 8 cups of water daily for regular functions but due to your body processing and getting rid of extra liquids via breast milk while breastfeeding, they’re recommending 13 cups or 3.1 liters per day on top!
2. Infused Water
Infused water can be a great way to satisfy your craving for something sweet without having any added sugars or calories. Try experimenting with different fruit flavors such as lemon, lime, mint and grapefruit among many others!
We know, water can get boring since it doesn’t really have any flavor–try infusing your water to give it the extra punch you’re looking for. Infused water will satisfy your craving for a sweet drink without adding extra sugar to your diet.
Fill your favorite pitcher with a combination of fruit, ice cubes and water. You can use any recipe you want to make this refreshing drink for summer parties or lazy days by the pool! For example, mix cucumber juice with melon syrup and add in some lime rinds; stir strawberry lemonade together along with mint leaves on top of crushed ice; or blend raspberry sherbet until it is smooth then pour over iced blueberries – all these drinks will be gone before you know it!
3. Seltzer
Have you been looking for a refreshing, caffeine-free drink? Seltzer (Alcohol free) is the perfect solution. With plain seltzers or with fancy flavors like cranberry-lime and pomegranate, there’s something to suit everyone! Find your local store now to find what they have in stock today – or try the above recipes that we gave you above!
4. Herbal Tea
Herbal teas can be soothing, delicious and medicinal. You do need to keep an eye on which herbs are in your tea as some might decrease supply when weaning (peppermint), while others like kava-kava or ginseng could harm mother and baby alike if used improperly.
5. Almond Milk
I know it’s been tough to not drink milk but if you’re nursing, this is important. If your baby seems fussy and can’t seem to calm down after feeding, they may be reacting negatively because mom has eaten dairy products recently or before breastfeeding them. Almond milk might sound like a boring alternative but it does the job of giving babies that much-needed calcium too!
Almond milk is the easiest alternative to dairy or soy for many new mothers. With a sweeter, milder taste than its counterpart and with flavors like honey or vanilla and options like organic available at most grocery stores, it’s an easier transition when switching from dairy-based products such as cow’s milk. For those who are looking to make their own almond beverage without having access to high speed blenders that can handle almonds well you only need two ingredients: water and raw almonds!
6. Fruit Juice
You don’t want to go overboard with fruit juices, but a glass of juice every day is nice for your health. Choose 100% juice drinks so that you can avoid extra sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Better yet, get yourself a juicer and create healthy homemade juices! La Leche League lists citrus as being common sensitivity amongst nursing babies; if you crave orange juice or lemonade then watch your baby after drinking the drink according to their reaction.
7. Vegetable Juice
When you’re looking for a way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, you don’t have to look too far. Vegetable juice blends can help provide the extra vitamins that may be missing from other foods in our diets with little effort on our part; check out sodium content before drinking several glasses of it all at once but enjoy its taste as an integral part of every day fluid intake. If you happen to own your own juicer, WebMD suggests adding pulp back into muffin mixes or broths so we get some fiber without forgetting about this important ingredient!
8. Beer?
The old wives’ tale of drinking a beer as an easy way to boost your supply is false. In fact, there’s no conclusive evidence that drinking alcohol in moderation or at all while breastfeeding has negative effects on the baby. The dehydration effect can be offset by ensuring you drink plenty of water during and after consuming alcoholic beverages as well as eating healthy foods rich in nutrients like vegetables, fruits and whole grains which will keep both mom and baby hydrated.
