Coconut Water While Breastfeeding
Motherhood is a beautiful thing, during breastfeeding a special bond is developed between mothers and their babies. Every mother wants the best for her child, what matters most to her is the health and well-being of her baby.
In today’s article, we are going to throwing more light on the nutritional importance and health benefit of coconut water breastfeeding for lactating women and their babies.
During the breastfeeding period, women are more conscious about their health. Consuming the best nutrients to nourish the health of their child is the goal of every woman.
Coconut water is needed in every breastfeeding mom’s diet, as a matter of fact, coconut is a must-have in all lactating women’s diet for a better supply of breast milk for babies. Electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins, etc., are other benefit derived from coconut water
Keep reading to know how the beneficiary is coconut water while breastfeeding and what makes coconut water breastfeeding drink the best for you and your baby’s health.
Table of Contents
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is a sweet natural refreshing drink with a nutty taste. The clear liquid substance found in the middle of a young green coconut is known as Coconut water. Comparing with a sports drink, coconut water has more potassium, but fewer calories and lesser sodium. It is fortified with low sugar and electrolytes (digested carbohydrates).
Nutritional value of Coconut water
Coconut water is known worldwide for its nutritional value or content essential for healthy living for breastfeeding moms and their babies. Coconut water is not only beneficial for breastfeeding mothers but also for pregnant women and everyone in the family. The drink is highly balanced packed with nutrients, and contain very low sugar.
Coconut water is very dehydrating, it quenches thirst fast. Drinking coconut water while breastfeeding will increase the number of electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins the body needs to stay healthy.
Retrospectively, Coconut water and breastfeeding has been around for a long time, our forefathers used it during breastfeeding, they gave it to their infants to drink. The drink Provides strength and vitality to moms and their babies as it is an excellent immunity booster. It is still viable even today.
For every 30 ml of coconut water, here is the nutritional value:
- Calories – 5.45
- Digestible Sugar – 1.3 grams
- Potassium – 71 mg
- Sodium -30 mg
- Fat – 60 mg
- Protein – 0.2 g
The Benefit of Coconut Water for Breastfeeding Mothers
As a mom whose safety of her baby is her ultimate concern, your skepticism of consuming coconut water while breastfeeding is understandable. I had doubt too, not until I tried it, then it dawns on me that I have been missing out. Leave Doubt out! The benefits of coconut water for lactating mothers are enormous. Not only during the lactating period; coconut water breastfeeding is good for pregnancy and post-pregnancy.
Below are the full benefits of coconut water breastfeeding that no one has ever told you.
Source of hydration
Coconut water is a perfect hydrating drink for breastfeeding moms because women often get dehydrated during breastfeeding. Every breastfeeding mom needs to be well hydrated to produce enough milk for their babies. Coconut water breastfeeding has electrolytes, which is more hydrating than water. Fatigue prevention is another benefit of coconut water.
Boost Milk Supply
When drinking coconut water while breastfeeding – it ensures that the body quickly intensifies milk production and supply. When you drink coconut water regularly, you can never struggle with low milk supply. You should seriously consider coconut water breastfeeding as a major booster for breast milk supply.
Immunity Booster
Do you know that your immune system is lowered when breastfeeding? Yes, it is! That is why you need Regular intake of coconut water to help improve your immune system as it contains essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins as well as electrolytes which act as antioxidants in your body.
Furthermore, Coconut water for breastfeeding contains Lauric acids that ward off infections and fortify the immune system, thereby keeping mothers and their babies protected. Coconut water helps to raise the levels of Lauric acid in breast milk. The acid has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties that protect the body against disease-causing germs.
Controls blood pressure
One of the best benefits of coconut water for breastfeeding mom is that they are known to keep blood pressure at bay; because of the level of electrolytes, it offers the body. They contain potassium that also controls blood pressure during breastfeeding.
Another study shows that coconut water plays a major role to prevent blood clots formation as it has and contains anti-thrombotic activity.
Increases Digestion
Another benefit of coconut water while breastfeeding – is that it aids digestion. Coconut water is a good remedy for constipation for anyone. Indigestion can make you feel bloated and restive, consuming coconut water while breastfeeding can help eliminate constipation and get rid of heartburn.
When I was pregnant for my 2nd child, I often suffer from constipation and acid reflux. But after I was introduced to coconut water and I started taking it regularly, I witnessed great changes in my body. I am happy I took such a step.
Generally, coconut water is good for all women, whether breastfeeding, or pregnant, .
Strengthen the bone and Promote brain development
Among the many benefits of coconut water is that it’s essential for the strengthening of the bone in the body. This is as a result of magnesium found in it. Coconut water also helps with the brain development of your child, it aids muscle contraction and relaxation.
Also, coconut water has been found to assist optimum organ functioning and energy production in women thereby making coconut water breastfeeding a great choice for mothers.
Helps the Body Respond to Stress
Coconut water contains Amino acids needed for building protein blocks and repairing body tissue. There is a high level of Macronutrients like cysteine, and serine Present in Coconut water than cows’ milk when compared.
Another benefit of coconut water while breastfeeding is that it helps mothers going through stress caused by childbirth to respond to stress better with help of Arginine in Amino acids found in it.
We have enumerated some of the best benefits of coconut water for breastfeeding women. I have also explained what coconut water is, the color, and how coconut water breastfeeding can be added to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions on Coconut Water Breastfeeding
What color is coconut water?
Freshly gotten coconut water appears as a clear liquid but becomes pinkish when exposed to oxygen and sunlight as they contain polyphenols which is antioxidant. When this occurs, it means this coconut contained a high level of polyphenol oxidase enzyme. The coconut water that remains clear only means one thing – that is, they have a lower level of polyphenols.
Is Coconut Water Good after Delivery?
Coconut water is essential for the post-delivery era. Coconut water drink has the richest supply of electrolytes. It is a good source of potassium, magnesium, it has a low level of sugar, sodium, and protein, and a high amount of chlorides present. To control blood pressure and heart function, Potassium in this drink takes care of that. Coconut water helps prevent urinary tract infections in new moms as it is a natural diuretic.
Further study shows that coconut water can relieve constipation as well as a good source of Vitamin C, calcium, dietary fiber, manganese, riboflavin needed by the body after going through delivery.
Can I take Coconut Water while Breastfeeding?
With a big Yes! Coconut water is safe to drink while breastfeeding. Other forms of Coconut are; raw coconut, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water, coconut meat, etc. They are packed with essential nutrients that have incredible health benefits for both mothers and their babies.
Coconut water breastfeeding contains essential fatty acids, and omega-3s needed to boosts milk supply. They do so by stimulating hormones needed for milk production and are also part of the breast milk.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) in Lactating mom’s body, she can increase her milk production and also produce high-quality nutritious breast milk.
Drinking coconut water while breastfeeding is essential as coconut water contains Monolaurin fat. Monolaurin fat helps to reduce the effects of some behavioral issues in babies later in life, as they enhance their brain cells’ growth.
How Much Coconut water Breastfeeding can I drink in a day?
To increase your milk supply, it’s important to keep a record of the quantity of coconut water you take in a day. Although there is no quantified amount of coconut water one should drink every day, however, they should be moderation when drinking because there is scientific data of what is enough.
To make coconut water intake fun, mothers can integrate it into their diet. Drinking from the fruit with a straw isn’t the only way to consume coconut water.
Can one Add Weight from Drinking Coconut water?
Many mom are mindful of what they drink eat because they wouldn’t want an extra weight. If you are thinking that coconut will make you gain some weight then you are wrong. You cannot gain weight from drinking coconut water; rather it will help you shear off some weight.
You can take coconut water if you are looking to lose some weight. The drink is easy on the stomach and low in calories. Coconut water is known to ease digestion and boost metabolism because it is packed with bio-active enzymes.
A high rate of metabolism helps in the burning of more fat. For those with deep appetite, coconut water gives you a feeling of being full, even though it has a very low concentration of carbohydrates. If you want to lose those extra weights, drinking coconut water at least 3-4 times daily will get the job done.
Can coconut water increase breast milk supply?
Regular drinking of coconut water while breastfeeding is ultimately beneficial to breastfeeding moms. Coconut water is a perfect hydrating liquid. Not only that, but it is also packed with nutrients that increase milk supply. Examples of such nutrients are minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins.
Taking coconut water as soon as you noticed that you are pregnant is important because the benefits for both mom and baby are enormous.
I have revealed the secret weapon of some breastfeeding mom that doesn’t get dehydrated after feeding their babies or pumping into a bottle. The benefits of coconut are many and available to everyone. Therefore, stocking this drink in your fridge is essential.
Is Coconut safe during Pregnancy?
All forms of coconut are embedded with essential nutrients needed during pregnancy. Both an expecting mom and the baby are kept in good health by taking coconut water. Coconut contains Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and lauric acid. The EFAs are needed for the growth and development of the baby while Lauric acid helps in providing relief from joint pain and other pregnancy-related illnesses. Lauric acid is in charge of increasing breast milk production in mothers. Therefore, as an expecting mom, you can always get the suggestion of your doctor for the amount of coconut water or any other forms of coconut that could be consumed during the period.
Best Bottled Coconut water
Packaged coconut water product is now more available in the market. The drink can be taken by breastfeeding moms, but they are no match for the real deal. Fresh coconut water gotten from a young green coconut is the best and contains every nutrient needed by the nursing mother and her baby.
Not everyone lives in a coastal town. Therefore, it could be more difficult to buy fresh coconut water while breastfeeding, if you don’t live close to the area. The good news is that coconut water is packaged and can be bought from a local market, the grocery store, or online.
Here are some of the best coconut water brands
Nirvana Real Coconut Water
Nirvana Real Coconut Water has a sweet flavor. Natural coconut water and pulp are what you get when you purchase this product. It is quite closer to that coconut water you get at the shop on the beach than any other product. The drink is kinda chewy in texture with a bit pulp in your beverage.
Amy & Brian Coconut Water
Amy & Brian Coconut Water are made from non-GMO coconut water from Thailand. The price is fair, and taste super nutty and comes in different flavors, it provides the body with the electrolytes you. No preservatives or additives.
Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water
Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water pride itself as the best in the market, far from the truth the product is good. The coconut water is sourced from Thailand and it is not thermally pasteurized leaving it extra fresh for maximum enjoyment. Sometimes the coconut water appears pinkish. It is as a result of the antioxidants coming in with light and oxygen – as claimed.
Purity Organic
Purity Organic Coconut Water is 100% organic coconut water. This product is said to contain five essential electrolytes needed for optimum performance. Purity organic coconut water is refreshing and tastes slightly sweet. It has no additives, preservatives, or sweeteners. Buy here now.
Safety Measures
Cautiously, there are safety precautions which you need to apply as you consume coconut water while breastfeeding:
- For coconut water breastfeeding, it is better to drink from fresh coconuts
- Fresh green coconut contains all the rich nutrients a lactating mother needs to nourish her baby. The fresh coconut water is far better and healthier than the bottled once.
- If fresh coconut water is not available, always check the expiry date when you are buying bottled coconut water
- Always consume coconut water with moderation, in case you are allergic.
Summary
We all agreed that the benefits of coconut water are enormous for women, especially during breastfeeding. Women should include it in their diet. Coconut water will help keep the body healthy and hydrated, and they also provide immunity for you and the baby. Drinking coconut water while breastfeeding, helps to keep lactating moms active and strong all day.
I hope you enjoyed your read. You can write to me about your thought on the benefit of coconut water while breastfeeding in the comment section.
Cheers!!
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