Staying Hydrated – Tips for Breastfeeding Moms To Keep Water Colic At Bay

Breastfeeding requires not only an adequate intake of nutrients in order to supply our baby, but adequate fluid intake as well. Without enough water, colic can develop due to a less-than-optimal ratio of nutrients, which in turn leads to digestive troubles. Adequate fluids are not just essential for baby; breastfeeding moms can develop constipation and mild dehydration if these circumstances continue.

Fortunately, there are several ways to be certain you are getting the fluids you need while you breastfeed your baby:

Drink when baby drinks – keep a glass of water on hand whenever you are breastfeeding your baby. By having some water or juice when your baby is nursing, you will be able to regulate your fluid consumption. Don’t try to drink “extra” fluids however – drink when you are thirsty and drink enough to satisfy that thirst. Drinking more than is necessary may actually decrease your milk supply, and can disrupt your potassium levels.

Avoid caffeinated drinks – caffeine can act as a diuretic, and may increase your urine output, thereby reducing your overall fluid consumption. Additionally, caffeine is not easily metabolized by infants, and your baby could have a buildup of caffeine in her system that will lead to wakefulness and fussiness down the line. While an occasional cola or cup of tea is fine, you may want to reduce or eliminate the morning coffee routine, or replace your usual caffeinated beverage with a non-caffeinated substitute.

Avoid alcohol – alcohol consumption can have various detrimental effects, and not only on fluid intake. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to health problems for both mother and baby. The occasional glass of wine is not at issue, but moderate drinkers will need to continue to abstain until the baby is weaned.

If you want to imbibe without passing the alcohol on to your baby, you will need to express the milk produced in the 1-2 hour timeframe after your drink. Another option is to breastfeed your baby before you have a drink. That way, the alcohol will have a chance to metabolize and be eliminated from your body before the next feeding.

Pay attention to ingredients – drinks such as herbal teas may contain ingredients that aren’t recommended for babies. Before you drink any herbal tea, be sure to ask your baby’s pediatrician if it’s safe to consume. Golden seal, St. John’s Wort, and other herbs that are perfectly safe for adults are not safe for babies and should not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers.

Mix it up – don’t just drink water, or juice. Drink a variety of different beverages, and experiment with different flavors to keep things interesting. Don’t forget that foods such as soup can count as fluids as well. So if you don’t want a glass of water, you can substitute a cup of broth for your hydration needs.

Adequate fluid intake is one of the more important aspects of breast milk production that can be overlooked. When there is not enough water, colic can develop in newborns and breastfeeding moms can have additional complications due to the dehydration factor. While it can be difficult for moms on the go to remember to drink water regularly, adjustments in routine and a schedule that deliberately emphasizes the need to have water or other fluids at regular intervals can help to correct this problem.