How Much Water Should You Drink When You Are Nursing a New Baby?

I always wondered when I was nursing, "How much water should I be drinking"?

It's the same rule for everyone, breastfeeding or not: Drink enough to satisfy thirst. The current recommendation is to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

Sometimes I needed to drink more then that during allergy season or when I had a cold. On a day I felt good, drinking 6 glasses was plenty.

If you are exercising, you may need to drink more then the daily 6 to 8 glasses. Again drink enough to satisfy your thirst. 

Usually I would drink a glass of water during the night feedings. It just kept me awake, and put fluids in me at the same time as fluids were being sucked out of me.

One thing to think about: There is water in Milkmaid Tea, in fruits, veggies and soup that you eat. All the liquids in your foods count as your recommended water count.

I would put water in a covered container the night before; this way it was ready for me to drink.

The company Otterbottle has some really cool water bottles! My Organized Chaos is hosting a giveaway where one reader will win an Otterbottle thermos, food container or a tote bag {depending on what's in stock}.

Daddy's Help

• One thing that I've heard some people say about breast feeding, "I really wish I could of breast fed, but I wanted Daddy to share some responsibility and be able to bond with the baby as well."
  
• A breast fed baby can bond with the father. It may be a different type of bond, but everyone bonds in different ways.
• Some of the things my husband did to help out are:
  

1. He got me drinks of water while I was nursing.
2. He changed diapers.
3. He fixed some meals while I was nursing.
4. He burped the baby.
   
5. He cuddled with the baby.
   
6. When the baby was old enough Daddy gave him bottles during the day while I was at work.
   

• These are all important things.
• I really would of had more trouble nursing if it were not for all my husband's help.