Breastfeeding

[11newmom2022]

Hi everyone.

Does anyone know how much water you are supposed to drink when exclusively breastfeeding? What happens if you don't drink enough?

Thank you

Nothing happens other than you get thirsty. Breastfeeding is only affected if you are severely malnourished or dehydrated, general levels of hydration make no difference to milk supply.

So essentially just drink as normal. You'll probably be thirstier, I certainly am when breastfeeding, so just listen to your body.

I don't know that there's an exact amount, it will depend on your size, the weather, how much your baby feeds etc. If you don't drink enough you will get dehydrated - possibly resulting in headaches, constipation, generally feeling rubbish. You need extra fluid because you're making milk.

You can work out if you're dehydrated by how many wees you do and if they're smelly. Plus generally how you feel.

I got a water bottle with an inbuilt straw and just drank little and often.

You will be thirstier just listen to your body and make sure you always have a drink within reach

Definitely drink more than normal. You will want to anyway. Always have a drink to hand

As soon as the babies started feeding I had severe thirst. I eventually got organised enough to provide myself with a large jug of milky coffee before I started.

I got very thirsty as I started feeding. Especially in the early days.

Drink when thirsty and all is good. Baby takes what it needs first so unless you're not drinking At all you should be ok.

I don’t get thirsty, so I tried to drink a pint of water 3 times a day and then whatever cups of tea I could get. Probably the most hydrated I’ve ever been 😆
The days I didn’t bother and lived off 3 cups tea, nothing bad happened!

You might be dehydrated as any point where you don't drink much water. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration.

I'd worry more about food. Eat as much as you can all the time. I became underweight whilst BFing due to not prioritising eating.