Save now with Mommy Deals >

tools: Pregnancy Checklist | Baby Name Finder | Baby Websites | How Big is Baby?

log in | register Track your baby's growth

Your Avatar

Sign up to get FREE personalized newsletters about your baby each week.

Enter your due date or baby’s birth date:

more in Newborn Basics

Find baby registries & websites

Find a couple's baby registry. Enter parents' name here.

Create your own baby registry here.

what's hot around the web

Sponsored Links

you asked...

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

What can I drink while breastfeeding that won’t irritate DS's stomach?

Re: What can I drink while breastfeeding that won’t irritate DS's stomach?

The Bump Expert

Herbal teas are great and don’t typically irritate a baby’s stomach. They can be made in batches and served hot or chilled with ice and there are many different flavors to choose from so you won’t get bored (at least not right away).

If you enjoy caffeinated beverages, limit your intake to about two (eight-ounce) servings per day.

Cranberry, pomegranate and acai berry drinks are another option. Try mixing them with either sparkling or plain water. Adding slices of lemon, limes, or oranges to plain will add flavor and won’t irritate a baby’s sensitive stomach.

Carole Arsenault | May 14 , 2009 11:45 AM

re: Q: Breastfeeding beverages?

Unless there is a known allergy or other adverse reaction, you can drink just about anything non-alcoholic that you enjoy. Sometimes citrus or dairy irritates babies- but unless you note a reaction to a specific substance, bottoms up! It's more important to stay hydrated than to avoid half the stuff in your fridge for fear of a reaction.

Fashion Mujahid | June 08 , 2009 2:48 PM

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

While many will tell you not to drink alcohol at all, there is no reason to not be able to enjoy a drink here and there. In fact alcohol metabolizes in your milk the same as in your blood so if you aren't feeling the effects then chances are baby won't either and there is no need to "pump and dump". If you want to be double sure there are testing strips available to let you know if your milk is safe or not. Also, beer, especially dark beer, has been found to help increase milk supply if you drink it sparingly. Note that too much alcohol of any kind can dehydrate you and decrease your supply, so drink with caution. My LC suggested 8-16oz a night.

midnightsun907 | June 01 , 2011 11:19 AM

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

Not all herbal teas are OK for breast feeding. Licorice as a component of herbal tea is one that is not recommended, for example, which rules out one of my favorite herbal blends. I have found that citrus irritates my son's stomach (makes him spit up after every feeding), so I avoid that. I keep a 32 oz. refillable bottle of water around and try to drink often. I find that if I keep it nearby, I am much more likely to drink it. Having to stop what I am doing to go get a glass of water is unlikely to happen with a 4 month old on my hands! Remember to drink extra fluids during the hot summer months.

WonketteSC | July 20 , 2011 12:14 PM

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

You can drink pretty much anything except for excessive alcohol. The contents of your stomach do not really get into breast milk because your body processes and metabolizes it. Some people say you should avoid dairy if your baby is having digestive issues because dairy proteins are large. From personal and anecdotal experience, cutting out dairy doesn't do anything. It's much more important to make sure baby eats for a long enough time to get adequate "hind milk," the milk that is more fattening. I highly recommend looking at the La Leche League website for breast feeding information. Their advice based on extensive scientific research and years of experience.

lexicgrace | August 19 , 2011 3:52 PM

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

I think that while breast feeding you are not allowed to drink any alcohol. You can ask any alcohol rehab Florida specialist and he will tell you that such a behavior can heart your baby.

annasiegfried | January 09 , 2012 8:19 AM

Q&A: What to drink while breastfeeding?

I disagree with the mom who said laying off dairy doesn't do anything. After two months of watching my poor son have horrible gas attacks, I eliminated a number of things from my diet and re-added them one by one to see what was causing the issue. Sure enough, dairy was unmistakably the culprit. This certainly won't apply to all babies, but it's definitely the case for some.

mdkalinski | January 16 , 2012 2:21 PM

popular questions

recently added questions