Did you know the breastmilk you are making for your baby is 90% water? Did you know proper fluid intake will help you recover from your delivery? For these reasons, and many more, it is so important you are taking in enough fluids! You should drink enough water to quench your thirst and then a little bit more. A quick and easy recommendation is to drink a glass of water with every meal and every time you breastfeed your baby! Many new moms find it helpful to have a water bottle or water jug near wherever you normally sit to nurse (or pump) as a reminder to drink.
Keep in mind, if you are exercising, you need to drink!
You want your urine to be pale yellow or almost clear. If it is darker than this, you need to drink more.
Keep in mind carbonated beverages such as soft drinks can actually make you more dehydrated. Water is best!
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Rigaud M, Sevalho Corçao C, Perrier ET, Boesen-Mariani S. Assessing a tool for self-monitoring hydration using urine color in pregnant and breastfeeding women: A cross-sectional, online survey. Ann Nutr Metab. 2017;70 Suppl 1:23-29. doi:10.1159/000463000
García-Arroyo FE, Cristóbal M, Arellano-Buendía AS, et al. Rehydration with soft drink-like beverages exacerbates dehydration and worsens dehydration-associated renal injury. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2016;311(1):R57-65. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00354.2015
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