Hydration and breastfeeding: why does it matter?

The human body is made up predominantly of water. The proportion of water varies with age and between individuals.

Water plays a vital role in the body, enabling it to transport nutrients to cells, eliminate waste, and maintain the body at the right temperature.

We lose between 2 and 2.5 litres of water every day and must constantly compensate for this loss. It is therefore necessary to obtain water through food and to drink additional water as well.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body undergoes many changes, our fluid balance shifts, and it is therefore important to adapt your water intake accordingly.

Contrary to some beliefs, drinking more than necessary will not increase breast milk production, and restricting fluids during a weaning period will not reduce milk production. Scientific evidence consistently shows that neither increasing nor restricting fluid intake affects the volume of milk produced. One study analysed the differences in women between periods when they drank 50% more than their thirst dictated and 50% less. No significant difference in their lactation was observed[1]. 

Fluid intake must be maintained at all times to meet your needs, without going to excess in either direction.

In addition to the usual fluid losses (perspiration, urine, physical activity…), further losses occur during breastfeeding.

L'eau est donc le meilleur complément alimentaire allaitement ! 

Pendant l’allaitement, il est important d’avoir un bon apport hydrique, à travers l’alimentation et l’apport en boisson (eau).

Du point de vue de l’alimentation, la maman allaitante doit manger équilibré, consommer de nombreux fruits et légumes et éviter les produits trop gras et sucrés.

Côté boisson, il faut privilégier l’eau, les tisanes et éviter les boissons sucrées. Une tisane allaitement est l'allié pour bien s'hydrater tout en boostant sa lactation.

During breastfeeding, you can perfectly well drink tap water. Mothers who are concerned can request the water analysis results from their local council. You can also use water filtration devices. 

For breastfeeding mothers who prefer bottled water, it is best to choose low-mineral water (such as Mont Roucous), which will help avoid water retention and limit renal load for the new mother.

En temps de forte chaleur, on se met en mode open bar, et on propose souvent le sein à son bébé.

Un bébé exclusivement allaité n’a absolument pas besoin d’être complémenté en eau, voir notre article sur donner de l'eau à un bébé allaité.

During breastfeeding, the mother needs a higher fluid intake, of around 700 ml per day.

The breastfeeding mother should ensure she drinks water throughout the day to meet these additional needs. The infant receives the nutrients and water it requires, sometimes to the detriment of the mother, and the quantity of milk produced depends on the baby's demand.

Listen to your thirst and you will have every chance of maintaining good fluid balance.