How much water do you drink...

[MPsSweetie]

to keep up with your nursling? I can't seem to keep up! I am so drained, dehydrated, etc...

I try to drink around 80 oz a day, and Asheby nurses about 7-8 times a day. I just can't seem to get anymore down. I feel like I will float away at times.

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Originally Posted by MPsSweetie

to keep up with your nursling? I can't seem to keep up! I am so drained, dehydrated, etc...

I try to drink around 80 oz a day, and Asheby nurses about 7-8 times a day. I just can't seem to get anymore down. I feel like I will float away at times.

You only have to drink for thirst. The idea of drinking water to increase milk supply is outdated, but a lot of MD's and nurses will still tell a mom this. Some of these Health care professionals still think you need to drink milk to make milk! So don't stress yourself out, drink when you are thirsty, reducing your intake should not impact your milk supply.

[MPsSweetie]

Hmmm...
So even I drank no fluids I would still make milk? I didn't know that!

[meowee]

Originally Posted by Breastfeeding Insomniac

The idea of drinking water to increase milk supply is outdated, but a lot of MD's and nurses will still tell a mom this. Some of these Health care professionals still think you need to drink milk to make milk! So don't stress yourself out, drink when you are thirsty, reducing your intake should not impact your milk supply.

In my experience I have found that increased fluid (water) intake does increase milk supply, and helps cut down the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis, which can be triggered by even mild dehydration.

[meowee]

Originally Posted by MPsSweetie

Hmmm...
So even I drank no fluids I would still make milk? I didn't know that!

I don't know if you're joking, but if you didn't drink fluids, you would die.

[kheppner]

I just posted the same question under the BFing board. I'm drinking 3-4 liters of water a day and feel like I can't quench my thirst. I'm nursing an 8.5 mo old and she is still mostly breastfed and she still nurses every 2 hrs. My thought is that my body needs the water and if I feel thirsty, I drink. I can't go anywhere without a bottle of water.

[MPsSweetie]

No, I just meant like if I was sick or something, not long term. It just seems like if I miss even a few cups of water a day I feel so dehydrated, I thought he was sucking me dry. I always thought I had to drink that much more water for however much he drinks. Kwim?