As a breast-pumping
mom you do everything in your power to help your little one grow strong and
healthy. That also means keeping yourself strong and healthy. Staying hydrated
is a seemingly simple, yet absolutely crucial, piece of your personal
well-being. But we don’t need to tell you that, right? You probably obsess
about this—and a million other things—every day. So in order to take one thing
off your mind, we have compiled a series of posts that cover all things
hydration. We’ve titled it: Hydration Fixation.
First topic: how much
water do you really need to maintain proper hydration as a breast-pumping mom?
Eight glasses? We
don’t know where that answer originated, but it’s pound into our heads. When we
think about water and how much a healthy adult needs to drink to stay hydrated
the answer is like a reflex. Eight glasses.
If you are, in fact,
drinking eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily, that’s a good start. But we need
to know more specifics, especially as a breast-pumping mom. Surely, when we are
eating and drinking not only for ourselves, but also for the constantly
grueling task of creating breast milk, we must need to drink more water. Right?
So how much are we
talking?
The general rule is
to drink enough water to meet the needs of your thirst. According to La Leche
League International, women feel thirstier while they breastfeed (and pump). [1]
Drink to your thirst, but do not feel obligated to drink beyond to any point of
discomfort. The amount of water you consume does not equate to the amount of
milk you will produce. Rather, you yield good milk output when your complete
diet (including water intake) is balanced. Check the color of your urine if
you’re concerned. As long as it’s a light color, it’s likely you are
sufficiently hydrated. [2]
If you’re
mathematically oriented and/or prefer more objective guidelines, you can
calculate your hydration needs by your bodyweight. For proper hydration you
need to consume between ½ and ¾ oz. of water per pound (variation dependent on
factors like age, activity level and overall health). [3]
Essentially, the amount is equal to half your bodyweight. For example, if you
weigh 140 lbs., you should consume around 70 oz. of water daily (roughly nine 8
oz. glasses of water).
That’s it. The end. Now go get yourself a deliciously refreshing
and hydrating 8 oz. of water.
Cheers!
*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children.
[2] NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 21 No. 2, March-April 2004, p. 44
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