While pregnant, I was drilled on the importance of keeping hydrated. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to cramping or preterm labor. Now that I am breastfeeding, the importance of remaining hydrated is the same, but for different reasons. Breast milk supply can wane if you’re dehydrated. As a breastfeeding mom, I know how important it is for us to maintain our breast milk supply. Daily, within the online breastfeeding communities in which I participate, the number one question I see asked is, “How do I increase my breast milk supply?” My answer, in two words: Stay hydrated.
Related: Tips to Reduce Discomfort Experienced During Breastfeeding
Staying Hydrated is Key to Increasing Breast Milk Supply
One of the things I noticed when I first began to breastfeed was how thirsty I became during and after a breastfeeding session. Thirst while breastfeeding is actually pretty common. This is because breastfeeding requires your body to work harder, burning more calories, and decreasing hydration. Due to experiencing breastfeeding-induced thirst, I’ve learned to always have something to drink like Greater Than or water to ensure I stay hydrated.
Related: Breastfeeding: Tips For Maintaining your Milk Supply
What is Greater Than?
It is 100% natural and organic, non-GMO, coconut water-based hydration beverage that is made without artificial ingredients. As someone who loves drinking coconut water, I love this healthier option for keeping hydrated.
Drink Water to Prevent Dehydration or…
Most people are told to drink water to prevent dehydration. And that their water intake should be no less than 8 cups a day. However, it’s not just water that keeps you hydrated. All beverages containing water contribute toward your daily needs. Although I do prefer drinking water more than anything, sometimes plain water can get boring. And plain water doesn’t replace lost electrolytes, but Greater Than does.
In addition to coconut water being a natural source of electrolytes, Greater than is made with 38% juice. It adds flavor but still contains less sugar than your average sports drink. Oh, and did I mention it is fewer calories (40-50 calories per 12-ounce serving) and carbohydrates (9g carbs per 12-ounce serving), too?
During the times I’m craving hydration with flavor, I reach for one of my favorite flavors of Greater Than: tropical. It tastes great on its own at room temperature or ice cold. I even enjoy adding it as a base to my favorite smoothies. If that flavor doesn’t fancy your tastebuds, don’t worry, they have more! There are eight additional flavors available: watermelon, grape, orange mango, strawberry lemonade, peach tangerine, and berry acai.
But Will it Help With Increasing Breast Milk Supply?
While drinking extra fluids won’t necessarily increase your breast milk supply, the key is ensuring you’re drinking enough fluids to quench your thirst. This is to prevent dehydration, which in turn, helps your body maintain its milk supply for your baby. If you are dehydrated and have seen a reduction in your milk production, then Greater Than will help.
In order to make more milk, you have to move milk. Whether it is through your baby latching onto your breast or through using a breast pump, the more milk you release will entice your breasts to produce more milk.
Related: Breastfeeding Tips: Know the Basics of Pumping Breast Milk
Remember, pumping isn’t an indication of how much milk you’re producing. Babies tend to remove more milk than a breast pump.
How To You Know You’re Dehydrated
Breastfeeding is the time you should listen to your body the most. Your breast will let you know when they’re too full (engorged). Your urine will let you know if you’re dehydrated. Light yellow urine is a good indication that your fluid intake is good. However, if you notice you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness. dry mouth or cracked lips, take those things as signs that you need to hydrate your body.
Breastfeeding moms who are looking for a hydrating beverage that is a healthier option than a sports beverage should try Greater Than. I personally love that it contains less sugar than some sports drinks I used to drink, as well as has 2-3x more electrolytes. And it doesn’t contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners or stevia. I don’t feel guilty when I’ve chugged more than one down in a day. The packaging, a 12 oz. recyclable paper carton, makes it easy to tote around in my daughter’s diaper bag or in my car’s cupholder. You should also know that Greater Than is
- Made from 10 organic ingredients
- 0.7g sugar per 12-ounce serving
- Non-GMO verified
- Gluten-free
- Keto- and Paleo-friendly
- 100% vegan
Get $15 off your Greater Than Sports Drink purchase here – drinkgt.com.
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