does breastfeeding make you thirsty?

Question

i have been breastfeeding for a month and i am always so thirsty! all i want is water! also, i'm about to get my breastpump......if i'm at the mall...how do i warm up the breast milk to feed to my baby or do i pump it at the mall???

Answer 1

Good for you for giving your baby such a great start in life! Great going mom!

Why not just nurse your baby at the mall? You have the right to nurse your child anywhere you have the right to be. No need to drag along bottles.....just find a bench and nurse your baby. If you feel shy about nursing in public, practice in front of a mirror, a trusted friend or your spouse. Let them tell you how little can actually be seen. Or put a blanket over your shoulder.

Nursing in public:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/bfip.html

Unless your baby doesn't like room temp milk, you don't need to warm it up. If baby does prefer it warmed, just go in the bathroom and run hot water over the bottle. (NEVER microwave breastmilk. It can break down the good properties of the milk AND create hot spots which can scald baby.)

Pumping & storing milk:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

You probably are getting dehydrated if you are thirsty that often. Make sure you drink some water every time you nurse. Caffeine can dehydrate you, so if you drink caffeinated drinks, cut back some.

Answer 2

Firstly, good on you people who gave those 2 idiot males who made stupid comments low rating!

I find sometimes I am thirsty whilst I breast feed, though not always. However I always try to make sure I have a glasscup of something next to me whilst I feed, and just sip at it if I'm not thirsty.

Running the bottle under warm tap water will warm it to a drinkable tempreture will do the trick. You could also remove the milk from the fridge about 15mins before you are going to leave for the mall so it warms up a bit and then once you get to the mall it should be warm enough for your baby to drink.

Answer 3

Breast feeding does make you thirsty!! In addition to increasing your water intake, be sure to add an extra glass or two of milk to your diet. Also, be aware that anything you eat that gives you heartburn or gas, will also give your baby heartburn or gas!

Pumping breast milk is an activity best done at home. You can either put the bottles in the refrigerator, or it can be frozen (leave about a 1 inch headspace to allow for expansion) for later use. Another thing you can do is to donate your excess breastmilk to the hospital. It's great for premature babies!

You warm a bottle of breastmilk the same as you would any other formula. There are usually "bottle warmers" you can buy or you can use your microwave (but do be careful, as the milk warms up really fast! Always test the temperature on your wrist to be sure it's not too hot for baby) and there is also insulated bottle carriers to keep the milk warm for your baby. There is nothing wrong with breastfeeding your baby at the mall! Just beware of men getting line for their 'turn'. LOL!! ;)

Answer 4

I'm constantly thirsty, I can drink and drink and drink water all day and nothing fixes it. You can breastfeed AT THE MALL... don't be ashamed, take a seat anywhere and use a blanket to cover if you must, however... if you just ask a food establishment for some hot water, remember the milk only comes out at body temp so it doesn't need much...

I like to use the storage bags for milk as they are sooooo easy to heat the milk up if I must use a bottle which is seldom. They are so thin that it's easy for the heat to get to it.

Answer 5

I read somewhere that it's hormones. The same way you feel relaxed and sleepy or when you just sigh really big when your milk lets down. It's just hormones. Are you drinking a gallon of water a day? I am, and I'm eating everything that's not nailed down. I don't remember being this hungry and thirsty with my first two, but this baby is a chunk!

Answer 6

umm...well it never made me thirsty but everyones body is different...and as for the warming breast milk while away from home...they sell bottle warmers that will plug into your cigarette lighter if your in the car and if your not i suggest you get a keep bottle warm holder thingy...ok i know thats not what they are called but im drawing a blank...you know those things you put the bottle in that have a zipper top...they are a big help...oh and i was reading some of the other answers people left and girl DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE...it takes the nutrience out of the milk just like they will formula...

Answer 7

Yes, drink lots of water!

And, theres no need to pump to feed your baby while youre out. If youre not comfortable nursing in public, then use a blanket... or a sling.. as a last resort you can use a dressing room. Its best to avoid bottles for as long as possible. Pump now and store the milk for a night out when your babe is a little older.

Answer 8

Being thirsty is normal. If the mall doesnt have a place for you to pump or breastfeed just pump at home and use thermal bottle containers. They sell them everywhere. Just stick the bottle in the container and pull it out when you need it.

Answer 9

I drank tons of water nursing. Think of all the liquids baby is taking from you, you have to replace that. Please try to avoid anything like soda, coffee, caffeinated teas, and drinks with sugar, artificial sweetener or color added. Anything you consume, baby does too.
Motherhood stores welcome nursing in their dressing rooms! After learning that, I would go to other clothing stores and have them let me in to nurse, and every single time, in every single store, they were happy to do it.
I would recommend against bottle feeding for as long as you can. Nursing is cheaper, easier, and helps protect baby from ear infections.
Giving him/her bottles could potentially push them into weaning too soon. Baby will get use to the bottle and not want to nurse. If you want to go out, it's a bit different. Baby may get used to taking a bottle from others and it won't effect him/her wanting the breast from you.
Oh, and bottled breast milk is only good for one hour at room temperature.

Answer 10

gatorade is great. Why do you want to pump. Get a nice blanket and BF there. Most malls have a place to nurse the baby. If you are not Ok with that then Pump at home and wrap with foil for the trip. They also have nice plug in heaters for the car at toys r us.