too much water decreases milk?!

[AlisonR80]

i read online that drinking over 12 cups (96 oz) of water a day can actually decrease milk supply..is this true and why??

i'm drinking at a minimum 100 oz a day up to around 125 and still feel very thirsty...is this normal?

[petuniajo]

I've never heard that... did you read it on a reputable site?

[Len27]

have you tried adding a little something to your water? Especially when pregnant or nursing, I find if I just drink water it doesn't quite do it- I need something with a tiny bit of salt/sugar in it. I usually make really weak sweetened iced tea and that seems to do it.

[VeganCupcake]

Yeah, I've read something similar on Kellymom--that you only need to drink to thirst, not to excess. She doesn't mention that it decreases supply, but that it's not necessary.

Take care of mom. Rest. Sleep when baby sleeps. Relax. Drink liquids to thirst (don't force liquids - drinking extra water does not increase supply), and eat a reasonably well-balanced diet.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply

I tend to get really thirsty right when I'm nursing my 4 month old, and then when he unlatches, I'm not thirsty anymore. It's some kind of weird physiological thing that doesn't seem to happen when I nurse my toddler.

[BabyBoyAce]

Originally Posted by VeganCupcake Yeah, I've read something similar on Kellymom--that you only need to drink to thirst, not to excess. She doesn't mention that it decreases supply, but that it's not necessary. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/lo...ly.html#supply I tend to get really thirsty right when I'm nursing my 4 month old, and then when he unlatches, I'm not thirsty anymore. It's some kind of weird physiological thing that doesn't seem to happen when I nurse my toddler.

Same thing happens to me! Every time DS latches on I'm instantly THIRSY, and I mean thirsty! Then it goes away. Weird.

[AlisonR80]

i don't know if it's reputable: http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/Nutrition.shtml

i'm just starting to think i have a health problem like diabetes...because it seems like drinking well over 100 oz a day SHOULD quench my thirst, but it doesn't...especially at night before bed i feel thirstier...I could try adding something to it..would crystal light be ok?

[Kmomto2]

Yes it is true. Drinking excessive water over thirst will flood the milk making hormones out of the body. Just listen to your body it knows what it is doing.

[petuniajo]

If you are feeling that thirsty, and 100+ ounces isn't quenching the thirst, I would definitely bring it up with your health care provider. It's probably nothing (I get very very thirsty in the hot summer and nursing), but it is a good idea to just have it checked

[smom050811]

I have had the same problem since having DS. His pediatrician told me that his wife just drank about 8 ounces of Gatorade (for the electrolytes) when she felt that way and it helped. I took the suggestion and it did! Your body is working hard and burning calories, so you need to replace some electrolytes in your body as well. HTH!

[mamayogibear]

I drink about 200 oz a day! Mostly it's herbal teas or water with lemon juice in it. I've only been drinking this much for the past couple of weeks now that it's hot, I usually just drink 120 oz a day and make plenty of milk. I agree that if you drink only water (most bottle water and tap water has added minerals) then it could flush out your system including removing hormones that produce milk production.
It's summer so I say if you're thirsty drink it's better than getting overheated and dehydrated.