What to drink for breast milk increase

Did you know when you breastfeed a hormone is released that makes you extra thirsty? It’s true!

Your body releases the hormone oxytocin (also called the “love hormone”).

Oxytocin does many things:

• it releases breast milk from your milk glands

• it makes breast milk flow

• it enables you to feel extra love and connection with your baby

• …and it stimulates thirst!

Do you need To Drink extra liquids to increase breast milk?

While drinking extra liquids won’t INCREASE your supply… if you get dehydrated and don’t drink enough throughout the day, your breast milk supply may decrease. 

So it’s extra important to stay well hydrated while breastfeeding and pumping. 

Symptoms of dehydration in nursing mothers include:

• feeling tired

• feeling thirsty

• having a headache

• constipation

• feeling dizzy or lightheaded

• dark-colored/strong smelling urine

• a dry mouth, lips and eyes

• peeing small amounts and/or fewer than 4 times per day

• muscle cramps

Ideas to hydrate while breastfeeding

Drink when the baby drinks.  If you get in the habit of drinking every time your baby nurses or when you pump, you’ll drink frequently throughout the day and never forget to hydrate.

You may be wondering if there’s anything out there you can drink that will both hydrate you and perhaps give your supply a bit of a boost. 

Good news!  There is!  They’re called lactation drinks.

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Lactation drinks contain galactagogues, which is just a fancy word for a food or herb that increases the the flow of your breast milk and the amount you may produce.

Incorporating a healthy lactation drink into your day is a proactive measure to provide hydration, extra nutrition, and give your supply a boost.

Disclaimer about what to drink to increase breast milk: Not everything works for everyone.  The results of lactation drinks will be different for each breastfeeding mother.  It’s important to try a few different things to discover what works best for you. Also, reach out to your healthcare provider before adding any supplement or herb to your diet.

4 Things To Drink To Increase Breast Milk

#1Instant Lactation Coffee Mix

Milksta may become your new favorite morning ritual. It’s a super creamy and milky coffee drink that contains 3 unique galactagogue superfood ingredients: moringa, oatmilk, and papaya. 

Just stir 1 packet into hot water or milk for a delish coffee.  Or you can infuse it with cold water, add ice & a splash of milk and have an instant iced lactation latte.

PRO-TIP:  It froths really well too.

Buy Milksta on Amazon!

#2The Ultimate Lactation Electrolyte Blast 

Coconut water (aka the juice from a ripe coconut) is naturally high in electrolytes, which makes it an excellent lactation drink! It aids in re-hydration and contains many vitamins and minerals that’ll help keep your body healthy during breastfeeding.

Lactation protein powders perform double duty by boosting milk supply AND helping with postpartum weight loss!

There are a few on the market but our favorite is Milk Dust.  It’s the only one that has no chalky aftertaste and is PERFECT when blended in smoothies! 

It’s organic, non-GMO, has no artificial sweeteners, and is dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.

Get 10% off Milk Dust using the coupon code: MILKOLOGY

#4Lactation Herbal Tea

Our favorite is THIS one because it tastes the best and has a sweet licorice flavor and contains FIVE galactagogues!

PRO-TIP:  Try adding honey or serve over ice to change up the flavor.

Buy our favorite lactation herbal tea on Amazon

What drinks may Decrease breast milk?

Anti-lactogenic Drinks

Alcohol

As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake.  Drinking alcohol can block the release of oxytocin, which may affect your ability to have  a letdown and temporarily limit your milk flow.  It may even affect your milk supply long term.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an occasional drink is fine but you should time your drink appropriately so you can wait to clear the alcohol from your system before you breastfeed.  

Related article:  Free Alcohol Breastfeeding Calculator

Caffeine

Drinking excessive caffeine may affect your breast milk and disrupt your baby’s sleep cycle.  It also has a dehydrating effect on your body so it’s important to balance out your caffeine intake by drinking extra water.

Related posts:
25 Healthy, One Handed Breastfeeding Snacks
57 Lactogenic Foods To Increase Milk Supply