3 Key Benefits of Electrolytes For Breastfeeding Moms
The Importance of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in Breastfeeding Moms
Fun Fact: Breast milk, the primary source of hydration and nutrition for babies, is made up of about 90% water! So, it makes total sense why proper hydration becomes a key factor in ensuring a healthy and sufficient milk supply. Not drinking an adequate amount of water can lead to dehydration, potentially affecting milk production and leaving you feeling exhausted and thirstier than usual.
How much water do breastfeeding moms need?
Experts recommend that breastfeeding moms aim for about 3.1 liters (about 100 oz) of water daily, but you don't have to force yourself to drink 13 glasses of water even when you're not thirsty. The amount of H2O required varies depending on factors such as age, activity level, climate, diet restriction, and medical conditions.
Drinking too much plain water can lead to electrolyte imbalance and may disrupt breast milk production.
Hydration is more than just quenching thirst when you're breastfeeding.
It's important to know that when you're breastfeeding, your body not only loses water. While breast milk is mostly water, it's also loaded with antibodies, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. All these nutrients leave your body along with fluid, so you'd need to eat a well-rounded diet and take an extra boost of electrolytes to quickly restore hydration and sustain quality milk production.*
3 Key Benefits of Electrolytes For Nursing Moms
1. Boost Breast Milk Supply
Think of your breasts as a milk factory. This factory has a sophisticated alarm system called the "let-down reflex." This alarm system is activated when your baby starts sucking or even when you hear your baby cry. The brain receives the signal and responds by releasing a hormone called oxytocin which triggers the tiny muscles in your breast to contract.
Electrolytes, particularly calcium, fuel these muscle contractions and keep the milk flowing and available whenever your baby needs it. Maintaining electrolyte balance helps ensure a steady supply of nourishment for you and your baby.
2. Support Energy Production
Breastfeeding burns up a lot of energy, increasing the need for essential vitamins and minerals to restore hydration and energy levels. Electrolytes are vital co-factors involved in various metabolic processes and bodily functions, including lactation. These essential minerals help regulate the flow of fluids and nutrients in and out of cells, which is necessary for energy production.
3. Promotes Bone Health
Calcium is one of the key nutrients your body needs to produce a high-quality and bountiful milk supply for your little one. If you are not getting enough through diet, your body will draw out calcium from your bones to compensate for it. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
We get it — finding the time to eat a well-balanced meal can be difficult, especially with a newborn on one arm and a mile-long to-do list on the other hand.
Moreover, modern farming methods strip the soil of crucial nutrients, making our food, particularly fruits, and vegetables, less nutritious. So even if you try to stick to a healthy diet, replenishing essential electrolytes and vitamins can still be challenging, especially now that you're sharing nutrients with your baby.
This is where electrolyte drinks or supplements come in handy. They aid with the absorption of nutrients, ensuring you get the most out of what you eat and drink.
Choosing The Best Electrolyte Supplement For Breastfeeding Moms
Electrolyte drinks are safe for lactating moms, but it's super important for moms to make smart choices before buying and taking any hydration or dietary supplement. A lot of sports drinks and hydration powders are filled with harmful chemicals, caffeine, and extra sugar that can do more harm than good for you and your baby.
Consult your healthcare provider and always check the label first. Stay away from hydration powders or energy drinks with artificial ingredients and synthetic forms of nutrients. Opt for natural and sugar-free options like Root'd.
Each pack of Root’d Prenatal MULTI contains a proprietary blend of high-quality ingredients, including enzymes, probiotics, and superfoods that aid in absorbing electrolytes and all robust nutrition needed to support your immune and blood health + baby's development.
Give yourself and your baby the nourishment you deserve! Try Root'd now! Use code MOMSLOVE for 15% off + free shipping on your first order! Shop now!
And, if you don't feel the difference, you're covered by our 100% Love Guarantee. What does that mean? It means that If you don’t love Root’d, it’s on us!
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