how much water to drink during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding your baby means you need to be sure to stay hydrated - but you don't need to drink pitchers of water a day! Drink enough to quench your thirst. Many Moms find that they are hungrier and thirstier while lactating. Listen to your body.

Though you may be tempted to drink soda or juices, limit those as much as possible. These won't quench your thirst as much as water will, and they also give you a lot of extra sugar, calories and caffeine that you do not need.

A few tips to help you make sure you drink water:

Set up a designated breastfeeding area. Sit in a comfortable spot with a small side table close by. Have a glass of water on the table when you are nursing. Have a family member refilling your water glass. This is a great job for your husband or perhaps one of your older children.  

If you don't want to drink plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or orange. You can also make your own flavored ice cubes with juice to add a burst of flavor to your water. Remember that it is not only water that counts when it comes to staying hydrated. Other drinks, fruits, vegetables, soup, etc. all can count.

To sum up, the answer to the question of how much water to drink during breastfeeding is: Keep water handy when you're breastfeeding and drink to thirst, avoiding sugary beverages as much as possible.