Water Intake - How Much Water Should I Be Drinking While Pumping?

The simple answer is the same for a healthy woman breastfeeding or pumping. You should be drinking enough water to quench your thirst plus a bit more.

Not exactly quantifiable, we know.

So instead think of it this way: if you are asking your body to create more liquid output in the form of breast milk, you’ll want to increase your liquid input. A general guideline is to drink an extra four 8 oz glasses of water daily.

But you’re busy! You have a baby to care for and a life before pregnancy to remember and a schedule to return to and – jeez – how can you remember to drink (and then actually drink) an extra four glasses of water daily?

Here are a few helpful hints: 

• Get a new water bottle to rekindle your excitement and commitment to your daily water intake.
• Take this full water bottle with you every time you leave the house.
• Have a glass of water next to you as you pump and commit to finishing it by the time you complete your session.
• Keep a large pitcher of water next to your bed at night to refill your water glass as you wake to feed and pump.
• Flavor your water with fresh lemon juice, lime juice or a splash of fruit juice (cranberry, lemonade, OJ, apple, etc.).
• Mix it up with healthy non-caffeinated teas or juices, but remember that over consuming juices is just taking in empty calories.

Failing to drink enough water won’t directly affect your milk production, but it will affect your overall health, which in turn affects milk production.

How do you  know when you’re not drinking enough water?

Here are a few telltale signs that you’re dehydrated, to some extent:

• Your mouth is dry.
• Your urine is consistently yellow to dark yellow.
• You’re urinating less than normal.
• Your hands and skin are dry.
• You’re dizzy and/or headachy.
• You’re constipated.
• You’re thirsty!

So bottom’s up! Drink up! Cheers! You’re a water-happy mama.

*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.

Sources:

Kellymom.com

Kidshealth.org

Breastfeedingusa.org

http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html