To keep your breast milk supply up it's important to stay hydrated—and breastfeeding can make you really thirsty. Which means you're going to need to be sipping something most of the day. And though pure water is best, it can get a bit dull.
Here are some flavorful options to keep your breast milk and mood flowing!
1. Water
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According to the Mayo Clinic, it's recommended that you drink more water than usual when you're breastfeeding. On average it's recommended that we drink 8 cups of water daily to keep up with regular functions. The body processes more water when you're nursing so they recommend drinking closer to 13 cups, or 3.1 liters, daily.
2. Infused Water
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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. Simply fill a pitcher to the top with about 1/3 fruit and 2/3 ice, then fill to the top with water. Cucumber and melon, strawberry and watermelon, raspberry and lemon…the possibilities are endless. To speed up the process, stir the pitcher, otherwise leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Seltzer
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Do you want some fizz without the caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners in soda? Seltzer is a fantastic way to get your caffeine-free bubbly drink on without any additives. Seltzer can be found in plain flavor, or even with fancy flavors like cranberry-lime or pomegranate. Check your local store to see what flavors they have, or make a pitcher of infused seltzer using the recipe we just gave you.
4. Herbal Tea
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Herbal teas can be soothing and delicious. You do need to be aware of which herbs are in your tea as some herbs are used medicinally to decrease supply when weaning (peppermint and lemon balm to name a few), and others like kava-kava and ginseng can be harmful to both mother and baby.
5. Almond Milk
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Many babies who seem fussy are actually reacting to dairy that mom has eaten. According to kellymom.com, dairy is the #1 cause of problems with nursing babies. If you want or need to cut dairy but still want milk, almond milk is a great alternative.
Almond milk is readily available at most grocery stores and comes in sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and honey flavors. With a sweeter, milder taste than soy milk, it's an easier transition to make for many moms—though once you taste it you might drink it just because it tastes really good. You can also make your own with just almonds, water, and a high-speed blender like a Vitamix and save yourself any additives.
6. Fruit Juice
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You don't want to go overboard with fruit juices, but a glass a day is a nice addition to your diet. Choose 100% juice drinks to avoid extra sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Better yet, get a juicer and create your own healthier juices. La Leche League lists citrus as a common sensitivity for nursing babies, so if you're craving orange juice or lemonade watch your baby for any reaction afterward.
7. Vegetable Juice
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Vegetable juice blends can help you get some extra vitamins in your diet with little effort. Check the sodium content on your juice before you drink too much of it in one sitting, but enjoy it as a tasty part of your daily fluid intake. If you have your own juicer, WebMD suggests adding the pulp to muffin mix or broths so that you don't miss out on fiber.
8. Beer?
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Have you heard that drinking a beer is a great way to boost your supply? Turns out that's an old wives' tale. While drinking alcohol in moderation might be safe for nursing babies (according to some studies), the jury is still out and it can have a dehydrating effect on mom. Drinking alcohol can actually decrease your supply.