As a breastfeeding stay at home Mom of two always on the go, I must to drink a ton of water to stay hydrated and maintain my milk supply. I breastfed my oldest until she was 20 months old and know very well what happens if I don’t drink enough water. Now that I am 7 months postpartum, I feel like I spent a few months struggling to stay hydrated while nursing. It’s easy to become distracted when you’re chasing a 3 year old while carrying a chubby cherub.
Here are five ways to stay hydrated while nursing.
1. Pick the right fluid.
There’s no doubt that water is the best fluid for a nursing Mom. Fruit juices and sports drinks pack on empty calories and lack nutrition. Pick water – especially if you’re drinking caffeine to stay awake. Caffeine may have a natural diuretic effect, and water will replace what you lose.
2. Choose a reliable reusable bottle.
I’m always looking for new water bottles and I was excited to discover the Contigo AUTOSEAL® Chill Bottle for only $19.99 (for a limited time) in the housewares aisle at Target. The Contigo is so appealing to nursing moms, or anyone really, because not only does it keep your water cold, but it can withstand being tossed around from diaper bag to car to nursery, without spilling everywhere.
3. Set a timer or post reminder notes around the house.
If you’re having trouble remembering to drink water while nursing, set a timer on your phone for every few hours. Or, make sure that you drink water whenever your baby nurses. You can even put post-it notes around the house as reminders to drink water while nursing.
4. Keep fluids with you when you’re on the go.
I make sure to always have water with in my bag (along with 15 other things) when I head out with the girls. The Contigo has an easy carry handle and a spout cover to keep gross germs out of your water. The lid stays sealed with AUTOSEAL® technology that’s leak and spill proof AND keeps your water cold for 28 hours.
5. Make drinking water fun.
Maybe water has never been your drink of choice – but it needs to be now that you’re breastfeeding. Try adding natural flavors to your water with fruit, such as sliced lemon or a combination of strawberry and lime. I love tossing a slice of lemon in my water bottle, but it’s important to rinse a Contigo after each use with warm water. The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe, but the stainless steel body must be hand-washed.
At the end of each day, I wash the Contigo, refill it with ice water, and keep it by my bedside table. I find during nighttime nursing sessions I become most thirsty. Ailey has already noticed my new favorite water bottle and fancies one for herself.
Shop the Contigo water bottle to stay hydrated while nursing:
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Brittany says
I don’t have kids, but I’d like to one day. There are so many things to learn about being a new mom! I know hydration is important, but I’d never considered what it would be like to be breast feeding. Thanks for teaching me something new! Also, I loooove that color of the water bottle!
Kara Miller says
As a fellow nursing mama, I know how important it is to drink water!! Great tips for staying hydrated #OnTheGoWithContigo. #client