Pregnant mama staying hydrated with lots of water

Staying Hydrated as a New Mom

As a postpartum doula and twin mama I know how important staying hydrated is! Being hydrated is so important for your energy levels as a new mama, milk production, and health during the postpartum period. Here are some simple tips to help you stay hydrated during the postpartum period:

Keep Water Handy: Always keep a water bottle within reach, whether you’re nursing, rocking your baby to sleep, or resting. This makes it easier to sip throughout the day. I found having multiple water bottles around the house helped a lot.
Set Reminders: Use your phone or a timer to remind yourself to drink water regularly, especially during those busy postpartum days when time seems to fly by. Sometimes it’s hard to remember to drink water especially when sleep deprived or feed around the clock. Setting a timer can be a simple solution.
Flavor with Fruit: If drinking 8 to 16 glasses of plain water is too much and you need something new, add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist. This can make getting enough water easier and tastier! This helped me hugely when I was pregnant and during postpartum.
Drink Before and After Feeding: Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before and after each breastfeeding session. This helps replenish fluids lost during nursing. I always kept a water bottle near my nursing area.
Choose Hydrating Foods: Foods with high water content are easy to add into your meals and snacks. Fruits like watermelon, oranges, and grapes, as well as vegetables like cucumber and celery, can really help with your hydration. These are simple ways to increase hydration without having to drink more water!
Herbal Teas: Try caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. They’re good for relaxation and digestion but also help with hydration. It’s a good idea to limit caffeine as it does dehydrate you.
Monitor Urine Color: The color of your urine can be a good indication of how hydrated your body is. Pale yellow or clear urine generally indicates good hydration.

Mama, remember, by staying hydrated you are supporting your postpartum recovery and helping to maintain your energy levels as you care for your new baby. By making hydration a priority, you’re supporting your own health and your ability to provide the best care for your baby.

Here are a few of my favorite water bottles. They’re big, keep the liquid cold and are easy to keep with you when you are on the go!