Benefits of Coconut Water for Your Milk While Breastfeeding🥥

Mamas, are you looking for a tasty drink while breastfeeding that is good for you and baby too? Then coconut water is a great choice! 😋 Coconut water has lots of fluids and electrolytes like potassium that help keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is super important when you are making milk for your little one.

I’m going to share some awesome info about coconut water and breastfeeding. Let’s start learning!

Is Coconut Water Good While Breastfeeding?

Yes, coconut water is very good for breastfeeding mamas! Here’s why:

• It has lots of water to keep you hydrated. Experts say nursing mamas should drink about 16 cups of water a day! That’s a lot. 😮 Coconut water helps you reach this goal.
• It has electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. These help your body balance fluids.
• It usually has way fewer calories than fruit juice – about half as much!

Unlike coconut milk, coconut water is low in fat. It has a light, sweet taste that many people enjoy. Some describe it as subtly nutty or floral.

No studies show that small-medium servings of coconut water are dangerous or affect milk supply or quality.

Some moms even report that coconut water helps boost their milk production. However, there’s limited research on this topic so far.

According to the CDC, FDA, and other health authorities, it is considered safe to drink normal amounts of coconut water while nursing. Just stick to reasonable intake recommendations.

So coconut water is a win-win – it tastes delicious and helps you stay hydrated with the right nutrients. Thumbs up for coconut water! 👍

Benefits of Coconut Water

So why do people go nuts for coco nuts? Here are some of the top benefits of coconut water:

• Natural hydration: Coconut water provides hydration and electrolytes, making it a great beverage after exercise or on hot days.
• Nutrient boost: It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and enzymes. While amounts are relatively small, they can add up!
• Low calories: With only around 45 calories per cup, it’s a guilt-free way to help meet fluid needs.
• Possible health benefits: Research shows coconut water may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood sugar spikes. More studies are needed.
• Prebiotic fiber: Contains a fiber called inulin which may promote digestive health by feeding good gut bacteria.

What’s The Best Kind of Coconut Water?

Try to pick coconut water with no added sugar. Check the label and make sure it says “100% coconut water”. Some kinds add extra sugar which you don’t need.

You can get coconut water that’s pasteurized or not pasteurized. Both are fine when breastfeeding! Pasteurized just means it was heated to kill bacteria. But don’t worry, any bacteria in what you eat or drink doesn’t pass through breastmilk to baby.

Does It Affect Milk Supply?

Good news – coconut water can actually increase your milk supply! It’s called a galactagogue which means it boosts milk production.

Staying hydrated with fluids like coconut water also helps make more milk for your little bundle of joy. So drink up! 🥥💦

What to Mix Coconut Water With

If you want to jazz up your coconut water, you can mix it with:

• Pineapple or cranberry juice – adds extra vitamins like vitamin C! But limit juice to 4-8 oz so you don’t get too much sugar. And pick 100% juice.
• Seltzer or sparkling water – gives it some bubbly fizz without adding sugar or calories! 💫😋

How Much Coconut Water is Safe Per Day?

There aren’t official guidelines on how much coconut water is safe during breastfeeding. But health authorities generally recommend limiting intake to about 8-12 ounces (240-350mL) per day as a precaution.

Consuming very large amounts daily or frequently could potentially cause diarrhea, upset stomach, or electrolyte imbalances from the potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Drinking more than 16 ounces (500mL) daily of coconut water is not recommended while breastfeeding. Stick to moderate intake of 8-12 ounces per day, and always stay well hydrated with plain water too.

Watch out for signs of stomach upset in yourself or your baby if you drink coconut water. And limit other high potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Potential Risks of Drinking Too Much

Downing quarts of coconut water every day could lead to these possible side effects:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration from the laxative effects of too much coconut water
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in blood) which can cause muscle weakness, palpitations, and dangerous heart rhythm issues
• Hypernatremia (high sodium levels) potentially leading to fluid retention
• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) that may produce kidney stones
• Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels) which might inhibit nerve and muscle function

However, these effects are very unlikely unless consuming extremely excessive amounts, like over 32 ounces (1 liter) per day. Just use common sense and avoid overdoing it!

To be safe, check with your doctor about any concerns related to potassium or other electrolytes. And limit high potassium foods if you’re drinking coconut water daily.

5 FAQs About Coconut Water and Breastfeeding

Here are answers to some common questions about drinking coconut water while breastfeeding:

Whew, we covered a lot of ground! To wrap up, coconut water is yummy and nutritious for breastfeeding mamas. 🥥😋 It helps you stay hydrated and may even boost milk supply. I hope this gives you confidence to sip on this refreshing drink during your breastfeeding journey. Congrats on nourishing your precious little one! You’ve got this. 💪