How much H2O should one drink if breastfeeding? Answer:

On this board I have read this over and over and have never said anything but I just read a post where a woman advised someone to drink 160oz of water a day if breastfeeding. That is just insane!! Here is the information I have found and have been told by my OB.

Question: Do I need to drink extra fluid while I am breastfeeding?

Fluid intake is best regulated by thirst. In fact, excess fluids can actually decrease milk production! Many studies have looked at fluid intake and milk output and have found that the mother's thirst is the best guide. So follow your own thirst (about 6 ? 8 glasses a day) and drink healthy beverages such as low or non-fat milk, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, or water.

Just had to get that off my chest! I follow this advice and have never had a problem with production. I know some people will disagree with this information and that is totally fine. I just want women out there to know that they don't necessarily have to drink a ridiculous amount of water if they are BF and to do more research and talk with a consultant before they start drinking something like 160oz of water a day!

-Ashlie

I agree. With Emma I was exclusively pumping and tried medication, herbs and ridiculous amounts of water to keep supply up. Nothing helped and my milk dried by 4 months. Of course I know pumping exclusively contributed...and I know my pcos did as well. This time I am mostly bf but pump for work. Someone suggested oatmeal and it has worked like a charm. If my supply seems a bit less I eat a bowl of oatmeal or two or a low sugar oatmeal cookies and I am good to go.

I think the thing is that what works for one may not be the solution for another and we just have to use trial and error to see what helps us the most.

Thanks for the info. I always just drink when I am thirsty. Shari

I get in about 80 ozs per day because that is what I need to keep myself hydrated (clear pee, no feelings of thirst) and that is also what my surgon suggested to me as a base line after my surgery. Some days its more then 80 because I need it for one reason or another, but 160 ozs is insanity and I would never leave the bathroom if I drank that much!

I have supply issues, infact I have very, very bad supply issues, it would not have mattered if I drank 200 ozs a day, I still would have had these issues, sometimes it just happens.

I'm so glad you posted this because I was wondering myself. It's hard for me to ge****er... I'm a big juice drinker so I"m using crystal light to help me get my water in. Thanks for the info!!

Thank You Sooo Much for this information !!! I've been reading these posts & some of the amounts of fluids these women drink seem IMPOSSIBLE to me. I know that I am early post-op, but I can barely get 32 oz in a day. I could drink more, but I would not be able to eat ! So, I've been very concerned about milk production. With my twins, I made tons of milk, but that was pre-surgery. This info gives me hope : )