As a new mom you have a lot on your plate, especially dealing with being new to breastfeeding on top of being a new mom. Sometimes you may forget that you are still using your body to give to your child, just as you did when you were pregnant.
Here are some tips on taking care of you during the summer [yes, it is just around the corner!]. It is important to stay well hydrated, as well as keeping yourself from getting overheated.
- Drink more water. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially those high in water content
- Wear natural fibers that breathe easily
- Relax in a bathtub while nursing for some cooling off and relaxing time
- Don’t over do it
- Run errands and do outdoor activities early in the day or in the evening
- Keep a cup of ice chips near you during the day
Please feel free to share any of your own tips for helping a new mom through a summer of breastfeeding.
Nursing babies (certainly those under 6 months and probably longer) don’t need additional water, even living in the desert (it’s been studied). But on hot days, nurse frequently and keep an eye on the baby’s diapers.
mother in israel’s last blog post..Agel Pyramid Scheme Exposed
Thanks for your comment. I was actually saying that mom needed to drink more water, not the baby. Babies don’t need anything but breastmilk (especially for the first 6 months, but even after many don’t get supplemental liquids). Sorry for the confusion. — Judy
I would also add, be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast thrush. It’s more common in summertime when women are sweating and hot, and especially in the Southeast, where there is a lot of mildew and mold and fungus.
Great tips!
Carrie at Nursing Bras’s last blog post..Breastfeeding: Tips for Large Breasted Moms
In the last few days I have come upon the hydration issue – I need to drink more water in order to keep up my supply. Is letting my nine month old daughter drink water a bad thing?
Upstatemomof3’s last blog post..What Age?
Thanks for visiting my blog. Letting your 9 month old daughter drink water is perfectly fine! I started my son drinking water when he started on solid foods (at 6 months). Whenever he ate food, he would get a sippy cup with water. It was a great way to teach him that water is the best thing to drink when you are thirsty. Always let your daughter nurse as much as she would like. And giving her a cup of water to help quench her thirst in the heat is great too! — Judy