How To Use Electrolytes For Proper Hydration When Breastfeeding

What Are The Best Electrolytes For Lactation?

The great thing about electrolytes is that there are options for everyone, and some are considered galactogogues, which means they may actually give your milk supply a boost!

Electrolyte hydration packets

If you aren’t the biggest fan of water and prefer flavored drinks, it is safe to use an electrolyte hydration packet once a day. There are a variety of flavors for you to try, and they are great to use on the go or keep in your bag. They contain Vitamin C and Vitamin B, as well as trace minerals. **If you are taking a daily multivitamin, please speak to your doctor before using electrolyte packets to ensure you are not going over your daily recommendations for certain vitamins.**

Coconut water

This is nature’s sport drink! It is great for replenishing electrolytes and staying hydrated, however it is also high in natural sugar. Use it sparingly and be cautious of serving sizes. You don’t need more than 6-8oz at a time!

*Pro tip* add a small pinch of sea salt to your coconut water to break up the sweetness.

Tea

Some teas not only contain electrolytes, but also are thought to support healthy milk production.

Red raspberry tea, a popular choice during pregnancy, is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral for which most of us have a deficiency.

Nettle tea, although contraindicated in pregnancy, is another good source of electrolytes for breastfeeding mothers. It contains high levels of iron, calcium, potassium, folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin K, and essential amino acids.

Lemon

Squeeze some lemon into your water! Lemons contain sodium, magnesium and potassium, which will all help you hydrate on a cellular level while promoting energy. Balancing your overall pH is important for overall health, but also for electrolytes. The alkalinity in the lemons will help with this as well!

Sea Salt

Need something right away and don’t have any lemons, electrolyte packets or teas on hand? Sodium is an electrolyte, too! Grab a tiny glass of water (a shot glass will do), add a pinch of salt and drink; then, follow it up with a regular glass of water. Sea salt also has traces of magnesium and potassium which will continue to help replenish your body.

Leafy Greens

We all know we are supposed to incorporate leafy greens into our diet, but did you know these foods also contain electrolytes? Kale, spinach and collard greens are a rich source of calcium and magnesium. Try adding them to your morning smoothie!

Should All Of My Drinks Contain Electrolytes?

Not every single drink needs to contain electrolytes, but ideally 1-2 drinks a day should contain them. On a day where you partake in exercise or even go on a walk, you may want to have more electrolytes than on a day where you are relaxing at home. When you are sick (especially with GI issues) you tend to be dehydrated and lose electrolytes more quickly than normal, causing your milk supply to decrease as well. So this would be a time where you would want more of your drinks to contain electrolytes. Also for coffee drinkers- caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it causes you to lose liquids quickly. If you regularly drink coffee or caffeinated beverages, make sure you are replenishing your body. Likely you will see an improvement in your milk volume as well as your energy levels once you start staying properly hydrated through electrolytes.