Mothers will do just about anything they can to maintain it or increase their breast milk supply. As such, when some breastfeeding mothers hear about drinking coconut water to help boost milk production and milk supply, they jump on board immediately.
Others, however, understand that drinking coconut water may be just another of those old wives’ tales or myths, this time used as a marketing ploy to sell more products like Body Armor.
These breastfeeding mothers, who tend to be skeptical, want definitive answers before investing.
In this article, we’ll answer the question: Does coconut water help with breast milk supply? We’ll discuss why coconut water consumption leads anyone to believe it may help increase breast milk supply.
We’ll also discuss whether other coconut products, such as coconut milk and coconut oil, may also increase milk supply.
Hydration and breast milk supply
Whether you are drinking coconut milk, coconut water, or regular water while breastfeeding, what matters most is that you stay hydrated.
Milk production and supply depend upon good health, healthy eating, a balanced diet, and lots of hydration and rest to maintain overall health that can help your child grow and thrive.
If you are dehydrated, you won’t be able to produce enough milk to feed your baby, and your baby’s health can suffer from it. It’s really that simple.
So does coconut water help with breast milk supply? Not really. As long as breastfeeding mothers stay hydrated, their milk supply should be fine.
If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated
Many women, and people in general, don’t know that if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that you need water.
So feeling thirsty means that you have already depleted whatever water you had in your system and desperately need more.
To avoid this, you should drink water, coconut milk, coconut water, or some sort of hydrating fluids regularly throughout the day to keep your hydration levels healthy.
Does coconut water help with breast milk supply?
Coconut water has garnered a lot of attention from breastfeeding women because of the electrolytes that are found in many of the drinks.
Electrolytes help to boost hydration, and they can boost milk supply as well. Coconut water is also tasty and can be combined with many flavors.
This is good news for moms who aren’t big fans of drinking regular water.
Coconut water is also naturally sweet and has nutritional value as well.
This is a definite plus for women who don’t want to spend their days drinking soda or teas high in caffeine, artificial sugar, or other sugary drinks.
Does coconut water increase breast milk?
You’ll likely find many testimonials from peers, women in the media, social media, and more who swear by coconut water while breastfeeding to boost the milk supply.
While breastfeeding, coconut water supposedly gives you hydration and lactating mothers the energy to get through the day. It also contains a fairly decent amount of Vitamin C, which is excellent not just for mama but baby as well!
Unlike water, coconut water also has needed calories so that lactating mothers can increase their milk supply.
You’re sure to find breastfeeding moms who will attest to it working to give you more milk to feed your little one.
Some lactation consultants may even suggest that you drink plain coconut water or flavored coconut water while breastfeeding.
However, no scientific evidence proves or even suggests that breastfeeding moms produce breast milk in greater volumes when they consume coconut water.
Is coconut water while breastfeeding a myth?
It’s important to remember that word of mouth is often just as reliable as some studies. The lack of scientific evidence usually means preliminary studies and research have been conducted.
Coconut water may not have scientists behind it, but many women swear by it. And often, reviews and testimonials by actual women are just as telling and reliable as any controlled study in a lab.
Even if it doesn’t work, there’s no harm in drinking coconut water while breastfeeding.
It has less sugar than fruit juices. Fresh coconut water even has nutrients that can benefit nursing moms.
Is coconut water good for breastfeeding?
It’s important to understand what coconut water is to appreciate its benefits to nursing moms.
The following is a crash course in this fruit drink.
What is coconut water?
You see on the label at the store that drinks like Body Armor are sports drinks made with electrolytes and coconut water.
You may even see the claim printed on the bottles of Body Armor that it is a “super hydrator.”
So what is coconut water?
It all starts with a young coconut
Young coconuts have more coconut milk, and therefore tender coconut water can be gleaned from them.
Consuming coconut water is a practice that has been engaged in for centuries by people who live near the coasts in warm climates where coconuts grow.
Coconut water has essential nutrients that benefit the person drinking it.
This coconut water is extracted, cleaned, and processed by companies selling packaged coconut water and bottled drinks marketed as sports and hydration drinks.
Health benefits of coconut milk and coconut water
Proper hydration is essential, so considering that coconut milk and coconut water can keep you hydrated already gives you an edge regarding its benefits.
However, aside from quenching your thirst, there are other benefits to your health that coconut milk and coconut water can provide.
1. No added sugar
Pure coconut milk and coconut water don’t have added or artificial sugars. Due to the sweetness of the fresh juice and the coconut flesh itself, it’s a naturally sweet drink.
This makes it tasty for nursing mothers to drink without feeling bullied into chugging water all day to try to increase milk production.
2. Cholesterol and fat-free
One of the reasons why sports drink companies sell coconut water drinks is because it has no fat or cholesterol.
Healthy fats are good for you but added fats, and empty calories do you no favors, especially if you are a breastfeeding mom.
Health risks of adding coconut milk and water to your breastfeeding diet
Moderation is key in everything, especially if you are a busy mom trying to navigate a breastfeeding journey.
While coconut milk and coconut water are not bad for overall health, there are some circumstances in which you should consult with your doctor before you drink lactation smoothies or other coconut drinks.
1. High blood pressure
Breastfeeding mothers may or may not know that simply nursing their babies or pumping milk for them can help them keep their blood pressure in a healthier range.
However, due to components like sodium found in coconut drinks, lactating women who have issues with hypertension should hold back on lactation recipes that call for coconut water and speak with their doctors.
2. Kidney issues
If you are looking for a refreshing drink that can help boost the production of liquid gold for your baby, you may want to hold off on coconut drinks if you have kidney issues until you speak with your healthcare provider.
Sometimes women with kidney issues find that coconut milk and other drinks with coconut in them worsen kidney issues.
How much coconut water should I drink while breastfeeding?
As always, moderation is key when it comes to coconut drinks.
Breastfeeding drinks, including a lactation smoothie recipe you may find that, has coconut water or coconut milk in it, are great, but you shouldn’t give up water entirely in favor of this sweet drink.
Also, remember that there are substitutions to coconut water and coconut milk that you can consume to help you stay hydrated.
One coconut drink a day should be enough to start with, and if, as a breastfeeding mother, you don’t see any increase in your milk production, then you can speak with your doctor about other interventions to increase your breast milk supply.
Nursing mothers and coconut
Coconut water, coconut oil, shredded coconut, and other coconut products have not been scientifically confirmed to increase the amount of milk that your body produces. However, they do help to keep you healthy and hydrated.
Coconut contains amino acids, which can increase the amount of lauric acid in your milk and boosts your baby’s immune system.
Be sure to moderate your consumption of coconut drinks and foods, and if you have hypertension issues or kidney problems, ask your doctor before you start.
Also, be sure to read labels carefully when buying bottled drinks at the store, as some companies do add sugars and other artificial ingredients that take away from any benefits you may otherwise get.