Now that you have experienced the magical yet exhausting birthing process, breastfeeding and taking care of your newborn is next. You might have promised to exclusively breastfeed your baby (and that’s a great choice!), so you might be thinking about what foods and drinks should be consumed for your little one’s safety.
Coconut water is one of the most nutritious drinks that you can consume. But the question is, can you drink coconut water while you are breastfeeding? Know more about drinking coconut water as you feed your baby with your precious liquid gold in this article.
Nutritional Value of Coconut Water
Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of 1 cup of coconut water for your consumption:
Calories – 46kcal
Sugars – 6.26 g
Calcium – 6%
Dietary fiber – 2.6 g
Sodium – 252 mg
Carbohydrates – 8.9 g
Potassium – 600 mg
Phosphorus – 48mg
Magnesium – 60mg
As you can see, coconut water contains a lot of vital nutrients that can help your body gain vitamins and minerals that you need throughout the day. Now that you know that coconut water is indeed a healthy drink choice, let’s dig in deeper into correlating consumption of coconut water with breastfeeding.
Is Coconut Water Safe While Breastfeeding?
Based on lactation experts, it is generally safe to drink coconut water while breastfeeding. It is also a great choice for lactating mothers since this thirst-quencher drink can fully hydrate the body without inducing so much sugar unlike other drinks.
As long as you have no underlying medical conditions and your doctor has approved that you can drink coconut water while nursing, you’re all good!
How much coconut water can I drink in a day?
This question is best answered by your doctor since they know if you currently have any underlying medical conditions.
Which is the Best Coconut Water to Drink?
We have gathered a list of the best coconut water brands that you can easily order online. Take a look at our top picks below:
Iberia Coconut Water With Pulp
There’s nothing more satisfying than quenching your thirst while breastfeeding, right? One of my favorite coconut water brands is the Iberia Coconut Water with Pulp. While it is smooth and refreshing, it also has some pulp that you can chew on, even while nursing your baby.
The tart and tropical aroma will make you excited as soon as you open this bottle of coconut water. This is a much better choice than consuming sugary drinks, and it also gives a tired mommy a boost of energy and electrolytes!
Other Features:
- Jam-packed with nutrients
- Fat-free
- Only 100 calories
- 24 packs in one case
Naked Juice 100% Organic Pure Coconut Water
When you’re tired of the endless breastfeeding, take a break and gulp a glass of Vita Coco Coconut Water. This coconut water came straight from natural coconuts so you can feel the freshness in every sip.
This coconut water is naturally sweet, and there are no added sugar or preservatives. It also contains 950 mg of potassium to help you replenish your lost electrolytes from nursing 24/7.
Other Features:
- Cholesterol-free
- Gluten-free
- 100% pure coconut water
Vita Coco Coconut Water
Sometimes it can be too boring to only drink water, so you can try consuming the Vita Coco Coconut Water as you nurse your baby. This was actually my go to refreshment even when I was just pregnant because I don’t like the taste of water.
For nursing moms, a bottle of this coconut water contains only 60 calories. Since it has very low calories, this is also suitable for mommies who are trying to get back on track on their pre-pregnancy weight.
Other Features:
- World’s Best-Selling Coconut Water
- Fat-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- 12 packs in one case
Does Consuming Coconut Water Increase Breast Milk Supply?
While there are not many scientific studies that coconut water can increase your breastmilk supply, it is considered as a galactagogue. Galactagogues are food items that are believed to improve a nursing mother’s milk supply.
One main factor to improve your milk supply is to keep your body hydrated. Coconut water is known to give electrolytes, just perfect for moms who are usually tired from nursing and taking care of the baby.
Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water While Breastfeeding
Boosts Milk Production
For breastfeeding moms, the more milk, the happier! Consuming coconut milk is known to improve the milk production and some mommies have stated that they never worried about milk supply because of drinking coconut water regularly.
Hydration
Coconut water is full of electrolytes so it means that it gives more hydration compared to water. Nursing moms need to be well hydrated and coconut water is the best alternative to sugary drinks.
Enhances Immunity
With the on-going pandemic, it is vital for nursing moms to be at the peak of their health. Coconut water can enhance immunity to certain diseases, all thanks to the mineral and vitamins that it contains.
Coconut water also contains lauric acid (which is also present in breastmilk) and this acts as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial protection for the nursing mother. Thus, consuming coconut water regularly can keep the baby and mommy healthy!
Lower Blood Pressure
Because of the 600mg of potassium contained in a glass of coconut water, it has been shown to reduce blood pressure for people suffering from hypertension. Even if you have a normal blood pressure, having a glass of coconut water can maintain your normal blood pressure.
Improves Indigestion
Right after I gave birth, I noticed that I am always constipated. But when I started consuming coconut water, my upset stomach became better. It has improved my overall indigestion
Weight Loss
Coconut water contains fewer sugar and fewer calories than other drinks like juices, smoothies, and sodas. In addition to that, it is also fat-free and cholesterol-free! So, for mommies who are trying to lose weight after giving birth, coconut water can be one of the best food choices for getting back on your pre-pregnancy body.
Strengthens Bone and Teeth Health
Coconut water is also packed with calcium which is vital for keeping your bones and teeth healthy and strong.
Less Stress
Coconut water contains high levels of amino acids that make a perfect combat against stress. Pregnancy was stressful but it doubles up when you experience childbirth and triples up when you spend almost 24 hours feeding your newborn.
Stress can sometimes lower down the immunity and overall health of moms, but consuming coconut water can significantly help with battling against stress.
Precautions of Drinking Coconut Water While Breastfeeding
Follow and check these precautions thoroughly before consuming coconut water while you are breastfeeding:
- For mommies that have undergone C-section, you should consult with your doctor first before consuming coconut water.
- Moms with kidney diseases or problems should also seek the advice of her physician before consuming coconut water.
- If possible, purchase more tender coconut water than the packaged ones.
- Fresh coconut water should be consumed immediately and should not be allowed to stay at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Nursing mommies who are under certain medications or maintenance medicine should seek the approval of her doctor before consuming coconut water
- Always check the label of packaged coconut water
- When buying packaged coconut water, make sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer
- After opening a packaged coconut water, keep it in a clean and dry place away from the sunlight.
- Consume coconut water within 24 hours and keep it refrigerated.
- Make sure to consume coconut water in moderate amounts to prevent hyperkalemia or too much potassium in the blood.
Key Takeaways
Nursing is honestly an exhausting yet fulfilling job to do as a mother, and personally speaking, I would do anything just to increase my milk supply. Aside from keeping my milk supply at its peak, I also want to take good care of myself and my baby by consuming healthy foods.
Coconut water, as we discussed above, is a very great drink choice for lactating moms like me. The jam-packed nutrients will revitalize a tired and sleepless mom while keeping her refreshed as she sips a glass of coconut water.
Just take note of all the precautions that I have listed above to ensure that there will be no harmful effects of drinking coconut water to your body. I hope you are having a great time seeing your baby full with your liquid gold and enjoy every chance that you can breastfeed your baby.
Read More:
10 Ways to Prevent Sore Nipples for Breastfeeding Mothers 2022
15 Best Labor and Delivery Gifts for Mom
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