Breastfeeding and hydration are aspects to take into account in women who have just become mothers. It is quite normal and common for mothers who breastfeed to feel more thirsty than normal. Sometimes this thirst does not disappear no matter how much the woman drinks, something that often worries many of them.
The feeling of thirst is accentuated especially at night and when waking up in the morning. Then we explain to you what is due to the fact that you are so thirsty while breastfeeding and the best way to relieve it.
Why are you more thirsty while breastfeeding?
As we have already indicated above, it is quite normal to be thirsty during lactation since the organism loses a lot of fluids due to breastfeeding. It is important to remember that almost 90% of breast milk is made up of water, so it is quite normal to feel thirsty at all hours of the day. Apart from this, the feeling of being thirsty may be due to the increased levels of hormones such as oxytocin that are produced after giving birth.
How much liquid is advisable to drink while breastfeeding
Data indicate that a woman can produce about 900 ml of breast milk so it is normal to replace the same amount of liquid. From here on, each woman is different and there will be some who will need to drink more water to quench their thirst and others less quantities.
What should be clear is that you have to drink when you are thirsty since it is very easy to fall into dehydration. You should also remember that apart from replacing the fluid lost due to breastfeeding, the woman needs to drink about two liters of water a day to avoid some dehydration.
Tips to Relieve Thirst While Breastfeeding
Here we give you a series of tips that will help you relieve your thirst much better while you practice breastfeeding:
- If the body doesn't ask you to drink, you don't have to. You should drink what your body asks of you at the moment, neither more nor less. There are many women who think that they should drink the same amount of liquid that they have lost because of the baby. Not by drinking more water you will produce more milk. Experts indicate that for an adequate milk production it is enough to follow a healthy and balanced diet and the baby's own sucking when breastfeeding.
- Aside from drinking water, fluid intake can come through the consumption of certain water-rich fruits and vegetables. Now in summer it is a good option to opt for foods such like watermelon, melon or cucumber. Do not hesitate to drink natural juices and herbal teas as they will also quench your thirst and keep you perfectly hydrated.
- Another wonderful tip is to drink a glass of water before feeding your baby or while breastfeeding. In this way you will feel satisfied and you can relieve your thirst.
- While you are breastfeeding it is good and advisable to always carry a bottle of water with you. So you can drink as long as you are thirsty.
In short, being more thirsty than usual while breastfeeding your child is normal and you should not worry about it. All you have to do is replace the fluids lost through your baby's milk. Quenching your thirst and being perfectly hydrated is more than enough. It is true that now that we are in summer you have to drink a lot more to keep your body well hydrated, but remember to drink when your body asks you to.