Breastfeeding comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes, you need a little boost when attempting to increase your milk supply. While baby suckling often at the breast should be your number one method for an increase in milk supply, you may have also heard about coconut water breastfeeding and wondered if it was effective. Turns out it is!
In this article, we will explore the many benefits that coconut water has for breastfeeding moms, as well as give you a few options for how to weave this delicious and nutritional drink into your diet.
Ready to learn more? We’re on it!
Is Coconut Water Good When Breastfeeding?
What Happens If You Drink Coconut Water While Breastfeeding?
The benefits of coconut water for breastfeeding moms far outnumber the benefits of other popular drinks said to increase milk supply.
Though many moms often wonder questions involving Body Armor for breastfeeding and oat milk for breast milk supply, the truth is that coconut water contains enough vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to keep you hydrated and healthy without all of the added sugars that some of these other drinks may include.
Coconut water contains electrolytes which are minerals that can be lost when you’re sweating, and yes, when you are breastfeeding. These minerals, like calcium and potassium, can be replaced when you drink certain beverages containing them.
There are many beverages containing electrolytes. Some of the most common are Gatorade and Body Armor. Many women have found that these beverages also increase their milk supply.
The problem with these drinks, however, is their sugar content. Body Armor and Gatorade both contain an excessive amount of sugar that should not be consumed regularly by pregnant or nursing women; especially not multiple times a day!
Too much sugar can be bad for anyone, not only concerning your inner health and physical body but also, too much sugar can negatively affect your teeth. It is because of this that coconut water is so important. It can provide pregnant and breastfeeding moms with the nutrition they need without added sugar and additives in the process.
Coconut Water Benefits Breastfeeding
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, coconut water contains antioxidants that are known to fight cancer. Coconut water can be added to a variety of healthy recipes for those who don’t prefer coconut water’s unique taste on its own.
Coconut water is also touted to be great for the skin and the waistline, as these low-calorie drinks paired with frequent breastfeeding can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight quickly and easily.
Note: Remember that although coconut water is great for hydrating the body and receiving the vitamins and minerals needed to produce enough breast milk, your body does best to produce breast milk when you nurse frequently. If your baby wants to nurse frequently or is attempting to cluster feed, it is important that you don’t try to thwart that process.
As the baby suckles, he or she is signaling your body that it needs to produce more milk. Therefore, when trying to increase your milk supply, by allowing your baby to nurse or by pumping regularly, you are provided with the best chances of increasing your breast milk supply, naturally.
Is It Safe to Drink Coconut Water While Breastfeeding?
Can I Drink Coconut Water While Breastfeeding?
It is completely safe to drink coconut water while nursing. In fact, doing so is recommended.
As you nurse, you lose calories and water as breast milk is made up of over 80% water. The more you breastfeed the more water you may lose. As a result, staying hydrated is one of the key components in keeping your milk supply established in addition to frequently nursing your baby as previously mentioned in this post.
To ensure that you stay hydrated while nourishing your baby with breast milk, you may consider sipping on a bit of coconut water (or regular water) every time you breastfeed. Many moms use this scheduling method to get in their daily dose of coconut water because it’s an easy habit to form around breastfeeding.
As your baby is nourished, you can focus on nourishing yourself as well. This is not only good for you but is also good for your baby. Who can argue with that?
Does Coconut Water Increase Milk Supply?
Does Coconut Water Help With Breastfeeding?
Though these claims about coconut water and its health and hydration properties are true, it is also true that no one single drink is the “magic elixir” for ensuring that you establish and maintain your breast milk for your baby.
Coconut water is, however, a beneficial drink that can be weaved into your daily diet to nourish and replenish your body as it works overtime to meet the needs of your baby through the offering of breast milk.
Therefore, while many moms have seen great success when consuming coconut water while breastfeeding, it should not be regarded as a “magic pill” that can cure all woes associated with breastfeeding and milk supply. It is, instead, a very healthful and nutritious drink that is easily accessible for you to enjoy.
Where Can I Find Coconut Water?
Coconut water can be consumed directly from fresh coconuts. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can simply visit the beverage aisle of your local supermarket to purchase bottled coconut water instead.
When searching for coconut water, be sure to do your due diligence to read the nutritional information on the label. The coconut water you should be picking up should be 100% coconut water and any flavoring added should be natural and without sugar. By picking up coconut water that is laden with sugar, you are lowering the health profile of the drink and adding calories to your diet that will only manifest as fat along your waistline. You can also spike your blood sugar, which your baby can also be experience.
Note: Coconut water contains natural sugars which are perfectly healthy to digest. Added sugars, however, should be avoided. To know if your coconut water contains added sugar, look at the ingredients. Watch for ingredients labeled as “sugar”, “dextrose”, “high fructose corn syrup”, and “corn syrup” as these are all terms used to describe sugar. You’ll also want to avoid coconut water and any other drinks, labeled as being “sugar-free” as these drinks often contain artificial sweeteners that can pose their own threat to your health and the health of your baby.
How Much Coconut Water Should I Drink While Breastfeeding?
How much coconut water you consume while breastfeeding is up to you. There isn’t a set limit as to how much you should drink. Most people in general may consume one to two cups of this deliciously refreshing drink per day while others may enjoy it a little more or a little less.
It’s really up to you!
Coconut Water When Breastfeeding: How Does Coconut Water Taste?
Coconut water tastes like regular water but with a very strong flavor of coconut and a hint of both sweet and slight saltiness.
For some, the flavor is a bit dull and for others, the flavor is delicious. Still, yet, some find the flavor to be an “acquired taste”. It’s something you have to get used to.
Vita Coco Coconut Water Breastfeeding
Know that different brands yield different tastes when it comes to coconut water. Therefore, you may want to experiment to see which tastes best to you.
In our experience, generic store brands can sometimes have a murkier taste, while others, such as Vita Coco Coconut Water, have a crisper, cleaner taste. It all depends on what you like!
Plus, there are plenty of ways you can sneak a little coconut water into your diet, You won’t have to consume it straight. Stay tuned for more details on how later in this post!
Best Coconut Water For Breastfeeding
Remember, the best coconut water for breastfeeding will be one that is free of added sugars and that satisfies your taste buds. Not all coconut water is created equal, and you may prefer the taste of some brands over others.
Here is a list of some of the most popular and best tasting coconut waters on the market:
- Vita Coco Coconut Water
- Zola 100% Coconut Water
- Pure Brazilian 100% Raw Coconut Water
- Wai Koko Coconut Water
- Naked 100% Coconut Water
Coconut Water Breastfeeding Recipe
If you aren’t into the taste of coconut water (or even if you are!), it can help to add a bit of flavor to the drink to make it taste a little less dull. Many people enjoy adding coconut water in place of milk or regular water to their smoothies. Not only is this a great and hydrating way to get in your electrolytes and minerals needed for proper body function and breastfeeding, but it also adds a subtle coconut flavor that can give your smoothies a tropical twist.
Try the following recipe for a deliciously healthy drink the next time you’re craving something sweet and fruity:
Tropical Coconut Water Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Frozen Strawberries or Tropical Fruit Blend (pineapple, strawberry, mango, and optional peach)
- 1 Fresh Banana
- ½ cup of Plain Yogurt
- ½ cup of Coconut Water
- ½ teaspoon of Honey (more or less according to taste…you can also leave it out!)
Directions:
- Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve cold. Enjoy!
Pineapple Coconut Water Breastfeeding
Did you know there’s pineapple coconut water available on the market? It’s true! Many people love Vita Coco’s Pineapple Coconut Water, and the nice thing is it doesn’t have any added sugar.
Don’t have access to pineapple coconut water in your local supermarket? Why not make your own? Simply mix 100% pure coconut water with a few chunks of fresh pineapple. Add a splash of honey or pure maple for sweetness for an out-of-this-world treat that is 100% guilt-free!
Coconut Water and Cranberry Juice Breastfeeding
Some people like the combination of cranberry juice and coconut water. This dynamic duo works to boost hydration in a fun and uniquely fruity way. Cranberry juice is known to help defeat urinary tract infections and provides a host of other health benefits, but mothers wishing to blend this drink with coconut water should be aware of the additives and sugar often found lurking in cranberry juices.
Because cranberry juice can be very potent on its own, it is often mixed with sugar or artificial sweeteners to cut its sour taste. If you do choose to blend your coconut water with sugared cranberry juice, be sure to only consume the beverage in moderation.
Coconut Water vs Coconut Milk For Breastfeeding
Coconut water and coconut milk differ in some ways but are very similar in others.
For the purposes of this article, we will compare only the general similarities and differences between the two.
Coconut milk is different not only in terms of taste and appearance but also in terms of nutritional makeup. Both drinks provide a hefty amount of vitamins and minerals, but coconut milk also contains healthy fats. It is thicker, creamier, and can be good for satisfying hunger, especially when added to smoothies.
Coconut water, on the other hand, is better for hydration contains antioxidants, and gives you a boost of electrolytes. It’s also easier to drink more of it in a sitting as it isn’t quite as rich as coconut milk.
Both varieties of coconut beverages have something to offer breastfeeding mothers. Unsweetened varieties of both can be safely incorporated into any breastfeeding mother’s diet–assuming she isn’t allergic to coconuts, that is!
FAQs
You certainly can! Coconut water provides a long list of benefits for pregnant and nursing moms. These benefits include replenishing electrolytes you may have lost when breastfeeding. If you don’t have access to fresh coconut water, choose a brand or type that doesn’t have a lot of added sugars in its ingredients list.
Coconut milk differs from coconut water as it has more fat. It does have its own benefits for nursing moms, so you can mix coconut milk in with your smoothies or food.
Coconut Water For Breastfeeding? Yes, Please!
Coconut water is a great alternative to sugar-laden beverages claiming to improve hydration and boost electrolytes. Coconut water is chock full of vitamins and minerals, all of which can help your body perform at its optimal function. This’ll make breastfeeding and producing milk for your little one that much easier. Pair this with frequent nursing and/or pumping, and you’ve created an environment in which you can nourish not only your baby but yourself as well.
Cheers!
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