So you’ve grown this beautiful baby inside of you for the last 9 months and now they are here. If you are breastfeeding, one of the questions you might ask yourself is ‘what to drink while breastfeeding’. And there are lots of options, so I’ve put together a few ideas for you to look through whilst you cuddle your bundle of joy.
What To Drink While Breastfeeding
This is a collaborative post
I’d love to hear what you found was an invaluable drink while you were breastfeeding. But if you are looking for inspiration, let’s get into it.
Water
Let’s start with the basics. When you are breastfeeding, you need water and lots of it. If you don’t have enough water you may find it affects your milk supply. Breast milk is made up of around 75% water, so you need to drink it so you can give it to your baby. Water is very good for new Mums as you will have lost a lot of fluid during giving birth and water will help replenish your stocks. Drinking plenty of water after giving birth is also a good idea as it will help with constipation.
Sparkling Tea
So we all know that alcohol is a no-no when pregnant and it’s not advised to drink much when breastfeeding as the alcohol can carry through your milk, but what about treating yourself to some non-alcoholic fizz? Sparkling teas are a wonderful option for new Mums. They can enjoy a luxurious drink without having to worry about the alcohol content as these are non-alcoholic. It’s a good idea to be aware of the caffeine content in sparkling teas, because if you drink too much then it may affect your baby’s sleep. Caffeine is passed through breast milk. If you are drinking teas with caffeine in them, try to limit your intake to less than 200mg per day. An average cup of tea is around 75mg.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great choice when breastfeeding. It is often used to help rehydrate the body after illness and so can have the same effect on new Mums. Coconut water is a good source of natural minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium. Often we don’t have enough of these minerals in our bodies, whether we are new Mums or not. So adding in coconut water to your diet is a smart idea.
Fruit Juice or Smoothie
100% fruit juices or smoothies in small amounts are good additions if you are considering what to drink while breastfeeding. Limit yourself to just one fruit juice or smoothie per day as these can be high in sugar. But fruit juices and smoothies have lots of vitamins and other health benefits which are particularly useful for new Mums. They are also easy to consume if you find yourself with your hands full. You can pop them in a glass with a straw and you know that you are getting something good inside your body. I hope this post has helped you with some ideas about what to drink while breastfeeding. I hope you enjoy your time breastfeeding your baby and remember to savour these moments when they are little.
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