how much water do I need to drink while breastfeeding?

One of the most common myths about breastfeeding is that you must drink a certain amount of water in order to produce enough milk. Websites that discuss the topic will tell you to drink gallons of water each day in order to have an abundant milk supply, as will well meaning friends and relatives. While it may seem to make sense, they theory doesn't hold water (pardon the pun!). When a woman is breastfeeding, the lactation hormones cause her to be thirstier. Some women report that the only times in their life that they feel their thirst is when they're breastfeeding. Also, a lactating woman's body handles liquids in a much more efficient manner.

“Can you drink too much water while breastfeeding?”  Yes, you can drink too much water while you’re breastfeeding.  In fact, doing so will cause your milk supply to decrease.  Drinking more than 80 ounces of water a day, according to research done by La Leche League, reduces potassium levels which in turn has a negative impact on a woman’s milk supply. It also confuses her body. In fact, edema can actually lead to a reduction in milk supply. So the common sense answer to the question of how much water to drink while breastfeeding is: Drink to thirst. Just as you eat when you're hungry and stop when you feel full, you can also listen to your thirst.

If you're concerned about your milk supply, the best thing to do is to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, and nurse the baby frequently, on demand. That's it! There isn't any fancy food or drink that is needed.